New Hampshire Forest Fire Districts and Warden System

Under RSA 227-L, New Hampshire establishes a statewide forest fire control system administered by the Division of Forests and Lands within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Each town has a Forest Fire Warden appointed by the state Director, with deputy wardens assisting. The Director may, with the Governor's approval, close any forest area to entry when extreme fire danger exists under RSA 227-L:7. Five fire-danger classes are published daily for five regions. The system universally applies to all private and public forestland, and municipalities cannot exempt their land from state fire control authority.

Entering a closed forest area, refusing to assist a warden, or violating RSA 227-L provisions may result in fines up to $1,000 and liability for suppression costs.