New Hampshire launches online fire permit program

CONCORD — For those people wishing to have a campfire, dispose of a pile of brush, or cook over an open wood fire, there is a new and easier way to get the required permit. In New Hampshire, fire permits are required by law for all outside burning when the ground is not covered with snow.

These permits are issued by the local Forest Fire Wardens and deputies in each community. On average, over 100,000 fire permits are issued across the state each year, mostly in paper format. Responding to recommendations from Forest Fire Wardens, fire departments and permit applicants, state officials have been working to develop a more convenient option for individuals to obtain the required fire permits. The result is a new online fire permit system that has been developed and tested over the last two years by several communities.

In the fall of 2014, the online fire permitting system was made available for use by all interested municipalities in the state. Currently, over one hundred communities have signed up and are taking part in the program, and individuals are encouraged to check with their local fire departments to inquire if their town is participating. The website for on-line permits is www.nhfirepermit.com. An applicant can follow the tutorial and review the laws and associated rules for open burning. There is a $3 user fee for obtaining the fire permit through the online system which offsets the costs of development, as no state funds were used. Depending upon the community, Category I, II, and III permits may be obtained as well as seasonal Category I and II permits.

Additional information is available at your community fire department or at www.nhdfl.org. "Fire permitting has long been an excellent public safety and fire prevention tool" stated Brad Simpkins, Director of the Division of Forests and Lands. "We are delighted to be able to offer this new online fire permitting option to communities and permit applicants." For those communities and applicants who do not wish to obtain their fire permit through the online system, written fire permits will continue to be available at no charge from the Forest Fire Wardens in each community.

"The system has been well received," states Forest Ranger Captain Bryan Nowell, with over 2,700 permits being sold electronically already this year. "The system is obviously growing in popularity and we expect more communities to request activation in the next few months," stated Nowell. Individuals with questions or wishing to offer feedback regarding the system may call the NH Division of Forests and Lands-Forest Protection Bureau at 603-271-2214.

The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands is part of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. To learn more about the Division of Forests and Lands, visit www.nhdfl.org or call 603-271-2214.