Your local Forest Fire Warden, Fire Department, and the State of New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands cooperate and coordinate to reduce the risk of wildland fires in New Hampshire. To help us assist you, contact your local Forest Fire Warden or Fire Department to find out if a permit is required before doing ALL outside burning. Fire permits are mandatory for any open burning unless the ground where the burning is to be done (and surrounding areas) is completely covered with snow. Violations of RSA 227-L:17, the fire permit law and the other burning laws of the State of New Hampshire are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $2,000 and/or a year in jail. Violators are also liable for all fire suppression costs. Open burning is a privilege, NOT a right. Help us to protect you and our forest resource! Build small brush piles that can be quickly burned and extinguished.

New Hampshire experienced over 940 wildland fires in 2001. Most of the fires were human caused. Due to dry conditions fires spread quickly impacting more than 20 structures. Homeowners can help protect their homes by maintaining adequate green space around the house and make sure that the house number is correct and visible. Only You Can Prevent Wildland Fires. Contact your local Fire Department or the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands website at
www.dred.state.nh.us/divisions/forestandlands/bureaus/forestprotection
or call 271-2217 for wildland fire safety information.

2001 FIRE STATISTICS

Belknap 89 18 Illegal 279

Carroll 62 12 Unknown 201

Cheshire 147 41 Smoking 86

Coos 53 16 Children 69

Grafton 109 99 Campfires 49

Hillsborough 198 68 Rekindle of Permit 45

Merrimack 70 20 Arson 31

Rockingham 135 90 Lightning 24

Strafford 57 54 Misc* 158

Sullivan 22 10 942

(Misc: powerlines, fireworks, railroad, ashes, debris, structures, equipment, etc.)

Total Fires Total Acres

2001 942 428

2000 516 149

1999 1301 452