Burn bans in New Hampshire
Under RSA 227-L:17, nobody may kindle an outdoor fire — except when the ground is covered with snow — without a written permit from the Forest Fire Warden of the town where the fire will be. The Division of Forests and Lands (NHDFL) rates fire danger daily on a five-level scale (Low/Moderate/High/Very High/Extreme) for each of the state's Fire Danger Rating Areas, and wardens use that rating to decide whether to issue permits that day. The daily rating itself is published only via the @NHForestRangers social media account, a toll-free phone line, and an opt-in email list — not on any web page — so no live status is available to check automatically.
All counties in New Hampshire
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Belknap | Unconfirmed | — |
| Carroll | Unconfirmed | — |
| Cheshire | Unconfirmed | — |
| Coos | Unconfirmed | — |
| Grafton | Unconfirmed | — |
| Hillsborough | Unconfirmed | — |
| Merrimack | Unconfirmed | — |
| Rockingham | Unconfirmed | — |
| Strafford | Unconfirmed | — |
| Sullivan | Unconfirmed | — |
How New Hampshire decides
- New Hampshire has 10 counties, but the permit that actually governs your burn comes from your town's Forest Fire Warden, not the county.
- The daily fire-danger classification isn't posted on a state web page — check the @NHForestRangers account, call 1-866-NH-FIRES, or sign up for the daily email before planning to burn.
- No permit is required at all when the ground within 100 feet of the fire is covered with snow or other frozen precipitation.
- Some towns offer online permits at NHFirePermit.com for a $5.50 fee; towns not listed there require an in-person permit from the local fire department.
Penalties in New Hampshire
Under RSA 227-L:17, VII, kindling a fire without the required permit is a misdemeanor; since the statute does not specify a class, RSA 625:9 presumes Class B (up to $1,200, no jail under RSA 651:2) unless the state elevates it to Class A (up to $2,000, up to 1 year) — which willfully or recklessly endangering woodland can trigger, and can rise to a felony if committed by a business rather than an individual.
Classification: Misdemeanor (Class B by default) · Maximum fine: up to $1,200 (Class B); up to $2,000 and 1 year in jail if elevated to Class A
Common questions about New Hampshire burn bans
Is there a burn ban in New Hampshire right now?
We could not verify status from NH Division of Forests and Lands today. Every county is shown as Unconfirmed until the source responds again — we do not carry yesterday's status forward.
How does New Hampshire issue a burn ban?
Under RSA 227-L:17, nobody may kindle an outdoor fire — except when the ground is covered with snow — without a written permit from the Forest Fire Warden of the town where the fire will be. The Division of Forests and Lands (NHDFL) rates fire danger daily on a five-level scale (Low/Moderate/High/Very High/Extreme) for each of the state's Fire Danger Rating Areas, and wardens use that rating to decide whether to issue permits that day. The daily rating itself is published only via the @NHForestRangers social media account, a toll-free phone line, and an opt-in email list — not on any web page — so no live status is available to check automatically.
How long does a burn ban last in New Hampshire?
Bans are issued by county officials and typically stay in effect until conditions improve or the order expires. Some counties set explicit expiration dates; others leave a ban open-ended until lifted. Check each county's page for the expiration listed on the current order.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in New Hampshire?
Under RSA 227-L:17, VII, kindling a fire without the required permit is a misdemeanor; since the statute does not specify a class, RSA 625:9 presumes Class B (up to $1,200, no jail under RSA 651:2) unless the state elevates it to Class A (up to $2,000, up to 1 year) — which willfully or recklessly endangering woodland can trigger, and can rise to a felony if committed by a business rather than an individual.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by NH Division of Forests and Lands. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When NH Division of Forests and Lands does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.