Codes & Regs - Fire Permits Required

The State of New Hampshire requires all persons to obtain a fire permit before starting ANY outside fire unless the ground is covered with snow. This must be done prior to starting the fire rain or shine.

There are two types of permits available.

• A brush fire permit allows the burning of brush up to 5 inches in diameter and clean, untreated lumber. NO painted, stained or pressure treated material may be burned. No plywood, cardboard or furniture may be burned. The pile should be of a size manageable to the individual burning it. It should be at least 50 feet from any building. A hose or some other means of fire control will need to be provided. Brush piles may only be burned between 5:00 PM and 9:00 AM or when it is raining. A permit is still required even if it is raining.

• A campfire or cook fire permit allows the kindling of a small fire in an enclosure for the purposes of cooking a meal or recreation. After obtaining a permit, these fires may be started at any time. A campfire or cook fire requires a proper fire pit to be built. The fire pit must be at least 50 feet from any structure. It must be constructed on mineral earth or a sand bed. A ring of stone, firebrick, or metal must be provided to keep the fire contained. Combustible material should be removed from an area 5 feet in diameter from the fire pit.

Seasonal Permits: A Seasonal Permit may be requested for campfire pits. This permit is good for the entire burning season. Seasonal permits cannot be obtained for the burning of brush, only for camp or cook fires.

A couple of other notes… The State Division of Forests and Lands and the State Fire Marshals Office have determined that chimneas and other portable pottery or metal fireplaces constitute open burning and require a campfire permit. Gas and charcoal grills do not require permits, however cooking with charcoal in a dug pit does.

If you have any questions or wish to obtain a fire permit in Hillsboro, please call us at the station 464-3477.