How to obtain a Fire Permit

Obtaining a seasonal or single use permit is easy. There is a Forest Fire Warden and eight Deputy Warden’s in New Boston that can issue permits. Although the Warden and Deputy Warden’s are all members of the New Boston Fire Department, the issuing of burn permits is a separate function administered by Wardens and Deputies under the governance of the New Hampshire Forest Fire Protection Bureau (FFPB). The Forest Fire Protection Bureau is a division of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. The Warden and Deputies report to the State Ranger at the FFPB.

If you are looking to obtain a single use permit simply contact one of the individuals listed below to make the necessary arrangements to obtain a permit. Decisions about the suitability of outdoor burning is made on a daily basis. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration as to the suitability of burning conditions, most notably the weather and wind conditions. Data and information is also received from the State of NH, Forest Fire Protection Bureau on a daily basis. Often times a decision is not made until after 4:00 pm on a given day. Single use permits are issued on the day they are to be used. Burning hours for a Class II or Class III permit fire are from 5:00pm – until 9:00am the following morning. During periods of steady or heavy rain, exceptions to the burning hours may be made by the Warden or Deputies at their discretion.

If you are looking to obtain a seasonal permit, contact one of the individuals listed below well in advance of when you are planning to burn or use your outdoor burning appliance. For seasonal burn permits, an on-site inspection must be performed by the Warden or a Deputy Warden. On-site inspections will be conducted on the third Saturday and or Sunday of each month during the burning season. When attempting to contact the Warden or Deputies, please bear in mind that these individuals are members of the volunteer fire department and their work or personal schedules may conflict with your own.

Prior to starting or kindling your fire, you will still need to get verbal authorization via phone from the Warden or a Deputy. A message left on the Warden’s or Deputies answering machine is not acceptable.

Remember, as the permittee you are responsible for the control and containment of your fire. If you are unable to control and or extinguish your fire, you may be liable for damages caused by the fire and or the cost to extinguish the fire by the fire department.

Prior to kindling your fire you should have a hose with water or suitable means of transporting sufficient water to control the fire. Additionally, a tool such as a metal shovel and or metal rake at the site of the fire for control of the fire.

Any and all permitted fires must be actively attended and supervised at all times by an individual over the age of 18.