Burn Permits

The New Hampshire Forests and Lands Division is pleased to offer citizens the option to purchase open burning permits online! Through our easy online process you will be able to purchase an open burning permit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing permits are being issued at the time. Obtain a permit online.

Obtaining a Burn Permit in Concord

It’s the law, fire permits are required by NH RSA 227-l:7, I and II. Within Penacook and the City of Concord you must call 603-225-8514 to obtain a permit.

The Law

Every person, firm, or corporation who kindles or causes to be kindled any fire, or shall burn or cause to be burned any material where fire could communicate to woodlands shall obtain a written fire permit from the forest fire warden in the town or city where the fire will be kindled. An exception is made when the ground where you are burning is covered with snow, however, we ask that you still notify us as a courtesy. Burn permits must be obtained on the day you are going to burn.

What You Need To Know

There are several questions that the fire warden will ask when issuing a permit:

• What is going to be burned? Brush should not exceed 5 inches in diameter.
• Where is it going to be burned? All fires must be a minimum of 50 feet from any structure or property line.
• When do you want to burn? Permits must be obtained on the day you plan to burn. No burning is allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless it is raining. Permits issued during rain are void if the rain stops. The fire must be extinguished at that time.
• Is the material to be burned from the demolition of a building? Environmental Protection Agency approval will be required.
• What do you have for fire protection? Garden hose or other.
• How much help will you have during the burn? Some brush piles require additional personnel.
• Are you the landowner? If you are not, a letter from the landowner giving you permission to burn is required.
• Are there any tires or tubes in the material to be burned? This is not allowed under any circumstances.

Be sure the fire is completely extinguished. A buried fire is not an extinguished fire.

Violation Fee

Any person violating the permit law and its provisions and any person who willfully or recklessly kindles a fire that endangers woodlands shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or 1 year in jail.