Fire Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)
13 rules on the books across New Hampshire, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Rules for fire pits, chimineas, and recreational backyard fires, setback distances from structures, size and fuel limits, attendance requirements, and burn-ban days.
Nashua
Significant RestrictionsNashua requires a Fire Department permit before kindling any open fire on public or private property, with no burning…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester requires a Fire Department permit for a recreational fire pit, Class I or Class II fires only. A site…
Read full rule →Fireworks
Which types of consumer fireworks are legal, when they can be used, and the fines for setting off illegal fireworks.
New Hampshire: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsNew Hampshire authorizes sale and use of permissible consumer fireworks under RSA 160-C, but municipalities may further…
Read full rule →Nashua
Heavy RestrictionsNashua bars permits for Class C (retail) fireworks to anyone but the City itself for its own controlled displays, and…
Read full rule →Hudson
Significant RestrictionsThe Town of Hudson, New Hampshire bans possession, use, sale or display of Class B and Class C fireworks without a…
Read full rule →Manchester
Significant RestrictionsManchester's noise ordinance exempts only fireworks displays that are city-sponsored or approved by the city alongside…
Read full rule →Outdoor Burning
Rules for open flames outdoors including bonfires, yard waste burning, and cooking fires. Some cities ban all outdoor burning year-round.
New Hampshire: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsRSA 227-L:17 requires a written fire permit from the local Forest Fire Warden or Fire Department before kindling any…
Read full rule →Hudson
Significant RestrictionsIn the Town of Hudson, New Hampshire, anyone kindling an outside fire, at any time of day, year or in any weather, must…
Read full rule →Nashua
Significant RestrictionsNashua bans kindling any open fire on public or private property without a Fire Department permit, and prohibits…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester requires a Fire Department permit before any outdoor recreational fire (Class I or Class II), with a $50…
Read full rule →Smoke Detectors
Requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes, including how many you need and where they must be installed.
Hudson
Some RestrictionsHudson, New Hampshire enforces smoke-alarm standards through its adopted NFPA Fire Prevention Code, and the Fire…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester requires smoke detection devices in every dwelling unit, with placement rules that differ for multi-unit…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua requires a listed smoke detection/alarm device on every level of every dwelling unit, placed near the bedrooms…
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