72% of NH experiencing abnormally dry conditions as state enters Wildfire Awareness Week

Despite rain statewide this month, the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau is reminding everyone that spring is the beginning of wildfire season in New Hampshire.

The bureau has worked with Gov. Kelly Ayotte to have her proclaim April 21-27 Wildfire Awareness Week statewide. “Millions of visitors come to New Hampshire each year to enjoy the beauty of our forests for hiking, ATVs, camping and more, and our timber industry also plays a vital role in our state’s economic success,” said Ayotte.



“Wildfire Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a role to play in protecting our state’s natural beauty and preventing wildfires. Thank you to everyone helping this important education effort to protect our forests for future generations to enjoy.” In 2024, the number of wildfires in New Hampshire increased 24% and the number of acres burned nearly doubled compared with the previous year.

Thirty-seven structures were threatened and four were destroyed by wildfires. “Many homes in New Hampshire are located in what’s called ‘the wildland urban interface,’ or ‘WUI,’ which means they’re where homes and other structures are built in or near wildfire fuels like forests and fields,” said Chief Steven Sherman of the N.H.

Forest Protection Bureau. “Wildfires burn more than just forests and fields, so it’s extra important to keep homes safe from wildfire by taking steps to keep that interface as safe as possible.” Spring is an opportunity to maintain the WUI and reduce the potential for wildfires to cause damage to homes and other structures.

Keeping roofs and gutters clear of leaves and pine needles can keep a wildfire from causing structural damage, as can maintaining at least five feet of wildfire fuel-free space around a building. Forest fire wardens, local fire departments and the N.H.

Forest Protection Bureau are resources for learning how to maintain this critical space as well as for wildfire prevention tips. Information is also available from the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise Communities website: firewise.org .

Year after year, debris and open burning are the top causes of wildfires in New Hampshire. Other factors include equipment and vehicles that overheat or throw sparks, firearms and explosives, improperly disposed smoking materials and arson. Under state law, anyone wishing to have an outdoor fire in New Hampshire, unless there is snow on the ground, must obtain a state fire permit in advance from the local fire department.

Permits are issued only on days when Daily Fire Danger conditions indicate that it is safe to burn. Permits may also be obtained online at nhfirepermit.com .

More than 80% of New Hampshire is forested, second in the United States only to the state of Maine. The N.H.

Forest Protection Bureau is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Forests and Lands, which protects and promotes the value provided by trees, forests, and natural communities. For more information about the Division of Forests and Lands and the work of its Forest Protection Bureau, visit nhdfl.dncr.

nh.gov or call 603-271-2214..