Brush & Fire Permit FAQ’s
Q: What type of materials can I burn?
A: Materials you wish to burn must be clean, ordinary combustibles. They include untreated wood, leaves and brush less than 5 inches in diameter, campfire wood and charcoal, on-premises burning for frost prevention, agricultural, forestry, or wildlife habitat improvement, and untreated wood from construction or demolition from a building.
Q: What type of materials can’t I burn?
A: Materials you can’t burn include household trash, packaging materials, coated or laminated papers, painted or treated wood, coated or treated cardboard, animal, vegetable or kitchen waste, plastics, rubber, oily rags, tires, tubes, and foam. If you are unsure as to what you can and cannot burn, please contact either fire station with your question.
Q: When can I burn?
A: You can burn 7 days a week, pending it is not a restricted burning day. Restricted burning time is 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., unless it is steadily raining.
Q: What should I have on hand for fire protection?
A: A rake or shovel, hose, and/or bucket of water is recommended. Remember, you are liable for the costs of extinguishing the fire should it get out of control.
Q: Do I have to own the land I want to burn on?
A: If you do not own the land, you must have written permission from the landowner for you to burn on his/her property.
Q: Where can I burn?
A: Your burn pile must be 50 feet away from any structure; 25 feet if you are burning in an approved incinerator. The ground must be bare soil around the pile. Also make sure the overhead is clear of power lines and trees.
Q: Where can I get a burn permit?
A: You can visit www.nhfirepermit.com to get a seasonal permit. You can also visit the stations in person, Central Fire Station (Wakefield Street) or Gonic Station (Main Street, Gonic) for a permit. Category 3 permits must be obtained in person.
NH State Forest Fire Class Days:
Class 1- Very Low:
A day where a forest fire is not likely to start. Permits available on a Class 1 day.
Class 2- Low:
A day that the fire danger is low, but it is possible for fires to start in light, flashy fuels, but will have a slow rate of spread. Permits available on a Class 2 day.
Class 3- Moderate:
The fire danger is moderate and fine fuels in open areas and sunny slopes may spread easily. Permits issued pending conditions.
Class 4- High:
The fire danger is high and fires will start easily from all causes. Fires will spread rapidly and increase in intensity rapidly meaning they will be hard to extinguish. Spot fires may occur and, except in early spring, will burn deep. Permits not available on a Class 4 day.
Class 5- Extreme:
The fire danger is extreme and small fires will spread rapidly and be difficult to extinguish. Severe spotting may occur. Permits not available on a Class 5 day.