Your local Forest Fire Warden, Fire Department, and the State of New Hampshire Division of Forests & Lands work collaboratively to reduce the risk and frequency of wildland fires in New Hampshire. To help us assist you, please contact your local Forest Fire Warden or Fire Department to determine if a permit is required before doing ANY outside burning. Under State law (RSA 227-L:17) a fire permit is required for all outside burning unless the ground is completely covered with snow. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services also prohibits the open burning of household waste. Citizens are encouraged to contact the local fire department or DES at 1-800-498-6868 or www.des.state.nh.us for more information. Safe open burning requires diligence and responsibility. Help us to protect New Hampshire’s forest resources. For more information please contact the Division of Forests & Lands at (603) 271-2214, or online at www.nhdfl.org.

Spring fire season lasted unusually long this past year, with very high fire danger stretching into the first week of June. Once again, the rains started to fall during the summer and the fire activity was fairly light for the remainder of the year. The acreage burned was less than that of 2007. The largest forest fire during the 2008 season burned approximately 54 acres on Rattlesnake Mountain in Rumney on White Mountain National Forest property. Another 39 acre fire occurred on Mount Major in Alton during the month of April. Our statewide system of 16 fire lookout towers is credited with keeping most fires small and saving several structures this season due to their quick and accurate spotting capabilities. Many homes in New Hampshire are located in the wildland urban interface, which is the area where homes and flammable wildland fuels intermix. Several of the fires during the 2008 season threatened structures, a constant reminder that forest fires burn more than just trees. Homeowners should take measures to prevent a wildland fire from spreading to their home. Precautions include keeping your roof and gutters clear of leaves and pine needles, and maintaining adequate green space around your home free of flammable materials. Additional information and homeowner recommendations are available at www.firewise.org. Please help Smokey Bear, your local fire department and the state’s Forest Rangers by being fire wise and fire safe!

(All fires reported as of November 24, 2008)

(*Misc.: power lines, fireworks, electric fences, etc.)