Drought prompts statewide burn ban

Following months of brush fires statewide and drought conditions, Gov. Kelly Ayotte issued a ban against open fires on Monday.

According to a release from the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the proclamation includes camping fires, debris burning, and smoking in or near woodlands and public trails. The ban is in effect until further notice.

Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert said his department has been “extremely busy” with outside fires. He noted this not only includes wooded areas, but over the weekend the department responded to an outside fire downtown. Currently it does not take much to start a fire, and Laconia has not issued burn permits since last week.

“With the lack of rain and moisture, everything is dry tinder that spreads really quickly,” Joubert said. “All it takes is the smallest source of heat to get the ground cover going. It can even be exhaust from a lawnmower, or a chainsaw spark on the ground.”

This is the second time this summer city firefighters opted not to issue burn permits. Joubert said fortunately the public seems to understand just how dangerous the conditions are.

“One positive is that people have been calling when they smell smoke,” Joubert said.

Joubert said while some have been false alarms, including a scenario where he himself thought he saw smoke rising in Sanbornton that turned out to be dust from a dirt road, he would much rather be safe than sorry.

“Until we get substantial rain, I think it is going to be an issue.”

Firefighters throughout the Lakes Region responded to at least five brush fires between Tilton and Northfield late last week. Deputy Fire Chief Sean Valovanie was at the scene of a fire on Bay Street in Northfield, and said a blaze could start with one tiny spark, adding it could have even been caused by the heat of a vehicle.

Last month, Gilford and other companies responded to Kimball Castle, which caught fire in the early morning hours. No cause has been determined, but embers from the blaze caught brush that resulted in about two acres burned.

Local fire departments, including Gilford, Belmont, and Tilton-Northfield, have posted on social media and town websites about the proclamation, noting all fire permits are canceled, and violators can be fined up to $2,000.

The release from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources stated summer drought conditions, and the prolonged period without rain, have increased the risk of wildfires. Representatives from the state Forest Protection Bureau reminded the public to avoid contributing to the risk.

“It is important to note that with the drought conditions we will need multiple rain events to reduce the wildfire risk,” said Forest Protection Bureau Chief Steven Sherman. “While rain may wet the area for a day, it will take a lot to make up for the lack of rain this summer and soak deep into the soil.”

Sherman added if the weather doesn’t change, wildfire risk may continue through the fall.

“The current fire restrictions imposed at the state level must remain in effect to protect the state’s citizens and natural resources until the drought conditions improve reducing the threat of wildfire,” stated Sherman.

The release stated 90% of wildfires in the Granite State are caused by humans. Prevention tips include having no outdoor fires whatsoever, and properly disposing woodstove ash in a metal container with a secured lid.

Bureau staff instructed the public to wait until conditions improve before setting fire to fall yard debris, and consult local fire departments with questions.

Smoking is prohibited in trails and wooded areas, and the bureau recommended not smoking in any areas with flammable vegetation or organic soils.

“Cigarette butts and ashes should never be discarded in the forest regardless of location,” the release stated. “If you packed it in, please pack it out.”

Other tips are not drive off road or park on vegetation; and have required spark arrestors and supplies when operating lawn equipment, generators and power equipment, like shovels, water, and fire extinguishers.

To help conserve water, it is also recommended not to water lawns and gardens, or wash vehicles or driveways.

For more information, visit nhfirepermit.com.