Outside Burning Rules and Required Permits
It is that time of the year when a written permit is required for kindling an outside fire. To obtain a permit, contact the fire station (call 673 1383) or Kevin Pomeroy. Permits are normally issued the day of the request, please try and give a minimum of 24hours notice if leaving a message for us to return your call.
When can you have an outside fire without a permit?
When the ground is covered with snow, "a 100 radius from the fire edge".
A written permit is required at all other times.
Only property owners can obtain a permit, unless they forward a letter indicating another person has permission to obtain or kindle a fire. This information is: property owners name, address, phone numbers, and date of birth.
Types of Permits and Outside Fires:
Written Permit: Issued by Town Warden [Kevin Pomeroy] or one of his assigned Deputy Wardens or firefighters. Permits are only valid when weather conditions permit outside burning or if there is a steady rain.
Seasonal Permit: is a yearly issued permit, the burn site has to be inspected by the Department, and this permit is valid for Category I and II type fires only. These types of permit need to be re-inspected each year. Anyone issued a permit last year does need to call and request a 2010 permit.
Category I: small controlled fire, such as a camping or cooking fire, no greater than 2 in diameter; contained within a ring or fire resistive material or in a portable fire place; this type of fire may be kindled any time of the day, and must be a minimum of 25 from a structure.
Category II: controlled fire, such as a camp or cooking fire, no greater than 4 in diameter, contained within a ring or fire resistive material or in a portable fire place
This type of fire may only be kindled with a permit after 5PM or during rain. Must be a minimum of 50 from a structure.
Category III: a fire that is not a Category I or II; or is greater than 4 in diameter, or is not contained with a ring of fire resistive material. This type of fire may only be kindled with a permit after 5PM or during rain. Must be a minimum of 50 from a structure.
What materials can be burned?
Brush and un-treated wood that is less than 5 inches in diameter.
What materials cannot be burned?
No domestic waste/trash, no treated wood, no composite materials, only clean wood and brush
Non-permitted fires and violations of NH State Permit Law, which is a misdemeanor offense that can result in fines, paying for cost of extinguishing the fire, a year in jail, and revocation of permits.
For more information you can contact the New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau at http://www.nhdfl.org/bureaus/forestprotection/ or (603) 271-2217