Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Fire Permits
1. Do I need a burn permit for a Chiminea, Fire Pit, Outdoor Fireplace, etc.?
Yes. Obtaining a burn permit for a wood-burning unit is a State Law. You must comply with the rules for outdoor burning when using one of the outdoor appliances listed or described below. These are the same rules and regulations that apply to burning of brush as well.
2. What materials can be burned with a fire permit?
Brush and wood cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter. No household waste, treated wood or composite materials may be burned.
3. How close to a structure can I kindle my fire?
A category I fire must be 25’ from structures and category II or greater must be at least 50’ from structures.
4. When can I kindle my fire?
A category I fire may be kindled with a permit at any time whether raining or not. A category II and III fire may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5:00pm and 9:00 am unless it is actually raining.
5. If I started my category II or III fire while it was raining and it stops raining do I have to extinguish the fire?
Yes!. The fire must be extinguished and you will need to wait until after 5:00pm to kindle it again.
6. Do you own the land where you plan to burn?
If not, you must have written landowner approval in order to receive a fire permit or furnish proof that you are a legal agent for the landowner.
7. Can I burn material from the demolition of buildings?
The NH Department of Environmental Services has regulations that must be followed regarding the testing and abatement of asbestos prior to demolition. Only clean, untreated and non-contaminated wood may be burned.
8. Do you have adequate resources to control and completely extinguish your fire?
The permittee shall have sufficient water, tools and personnel necessary to control and completely extinguish the fire. A buried fire is not an extinguished fire.
9. Can I use tires or tubes to start my fire?
No! This would be a serious violation of NH DES Air Resources Division rules and regulations.
10. How old do I have to be in order to obtain a fire permit?
You must be 18 years old to obtain a fire permit.
You can not burn stumps, garbage or refuse of any kind, furniture of any type, composite materials, rubber products, oils, gasoline, diesel, aerosols or batteries.
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