Fire restrictions lifted - burn permits available

The fire restrictions put in place by Gov. Chris Sununu last month were rescinded today, Wednesday, Oct. 21. Burn permits are once again available in the City of Dover. The New Hampshire Fire Warden classified today's predicted fire danger to be "Low."

The easiest way to obtain a burn permit is through the state's online burn permit website at nhfirepermit.com. The website, operated by the NH Division of Forests and Lands, allows the user to select Dover from the list of towns. There is a $3 processing cost that pays for the firm that handles the online permitting process. With any burning, permission from the landowner is required.

Those who have already obtained seasonal permits can once again kindle Category I and II fires, which are small campground-style fires. Seasonal permits are valid through the calendar year unless there are temporary fire restrictions.

A 7-day permit is also available for Category III fires, which are used for burning yard brush.

Fire Chief Paul Haas reminds anyone with a permit to check their email (including their spam folder) before burning to see if fire conditions have changed. If a day becomes too dangerous to burn, an email will be sent to permit holders.

Fire categories and rules

Category I: State law defines it as a fire that is 24 inches in diameter or less. Unless other restrictions prohibit it, these fires can burn any time during day or night if a seasonal permit is obtained. The burn containers must be at least 25 feet from any wooden structure, such as a house, deck, fence or shed.

Category II: This is a campfire between 24 and 42 inches in diameter, and it's the most common issued permit in Dover. With a seasonal permit, these fires can only burn between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. except when it's raining or snow covers the ground. A Category II fire must be at least 50 feet from any wooden structure.

Category III: This type of fire is for burning brush from a yard. The permits for these types of fire are valid for seven days, depending on fire danger conditions. Like a Category II fire, a Category III fire must also be 50 feet from the nearest wooden structure. Burning is only permissible between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m., except if it's raining or snow covers the ground. The maximum diameter of the brush to be burned is 5 inches.

The permits only allow for clean wood obtained in one's yard to be burned. That means pressure-treated wood, painted wood, or anything that is not wood cannot be burned. It is against state law to burn trash, such as paper.

The fire restriction rescinded today were put in place on Sept. 25. It had prohibited the "kindling of any open fire and smoking in or near woodlands throughout all 10 New Hampshire counties." Sununu pointed to drought conditions and lower water levels as the reason for the prohibition.

For more information, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 516-6148.