New Hampshire Statewide Rule
New Hampshire Outdoor Burning Permit Requirements Statewide
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- When no snow cover
- Issuing Authority
- Town Fire Warden
- Online Portal
- nhfirepermit.com
- Statute
- RSA 227-L:17
- Fire Danger
- Set daily statewide
Summary
RSA 227-L:17 requires a written fire permit from the local Forest Fire Warden or Fire Department before kindling any open fire when ground is not snow-covered. The Division of Forests and Lands sets statewide fire danger classes.
No person, firm, or corporation shall kindle or cause to be kindled any fire or shall burn or cause to be burned any material, and no city or town shall kindle or maintain a fire on a public dump, 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 unless it is in the presence of the warden or the warden's agent.
Full Breakdown
Under RSA 227-L:17, no person may kindle or maintain a fire on land outside an enclosed building when the ground is not completely covered with snow without first obtaining a written fire permit from the town Forest Fire Warden or designated agent. Permits may be issued only when fire danger conditions allow, as determined by the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands. The state classifies fire danger daily across five regions. Permits may be obtained online through nhfirepermit.com for many towns. Cooking fires in approved devices on personal property may be exempt, but residents should confirm with their local warden.
Violations & Penalties
Burning without a required permit is a violation carrying fines up to $1,000, plus liability for fire suppression costs and damages under RSA 227-L:17 and RSA 227-L:25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in New Hampshire?
Can I burn brush during a state-declared fire danger day?
Sources
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