Nashua, NH Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Three layers of authority govern a backyard fire pit in Nashua: (1) Nashua City Code Chapter 110 (Burning, Open), § 110-2, which states 'No person shall kindle or cause to be burned any material in an open fire on public or private property without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Department, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.' (2) New Hampshire RSA 227-L:17 (Permits; Damages; Penalties), which requires that no person shall kindle or cause to be kindled any fire 'except when the ground is covered with snow, without first obtaining a written permit from the forest fire warden of the town where the burning is to be done.' Camp or cooking fires may be kindled only with written permission of the landowner and written permission of the forest fire warden, and only at suitable times and places when the fire will not endanger woodlands. (3) The New Hampshire State Fire Code, which adopts NFPA 1 (Uniform Fire Code), 2021 edition, and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), 2021 edition, effective August 13, 2024 under RSA 153:5, with modifications by the Board of Fire Control. Nashua City Code Chapter 156 (Fire Prevention) historically referenced the 1997 edition of NFPA 1, but actual enforcement defaults to the State Fire Code currently in effect. Operationally, Nashua Fire Rescue issues three permit categories through nashuanh.burnpermits.com: Category 1 (campfires up to a defined size) requires a minimum 25-foot setback from any structure and can be applied for entirely online; Category 2 requires a minimum 50-foot setback and a site visit; Category 3 also requires a minimum 50-foot setback and a site visit. Burning is allowed between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, weather permitting. A permit is required for any open burning of solid fuel materials except charcoal - including open burning in barrels, chimineas, and fire pits. Seasonal Category 1 camp-fire permits must be renewed each calendar year. Permits are free of charge.