Burning Permits

It's The Law - You Must Have a Permit To Burn

A burning permit is required before kindling any type of outside fire, regardless of weather conditions. Permits will be issued annually, upon request, to property owners or to tenants over the age of 18 having written permission from the property owner. 

Permit holders then need only contact the Station prior to burning to confirm their activities. Remember always to use safe practices when burning: 

• Check the day's fire danger.
• Never leave a fire unattended or use flammable accelerants.
• Always have a hose, rake or shovel ready to assist with fully extinguishing the fire.

Learn more about RSA 227-L:17 and Res 5600 (PDF) or visit the NH Division of Forests and Lands website for more information.

What You Can Burn

Clean, ordinary combustibles including:

• Wood and brush less than 5 inches in diameter
• Campfire wood
• Charcoal (on the ground).

When You Can Burn 

Permitted burn times vary by category of fire. A Category I fire may be kindled with a permit at any time whether raining or not. Category II or Category III fires may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. unless it is raining. If it ceases raining, you must extinguish the fire immediately and wait until after 5 p.m. to re-kindle it. In all cases, there must be someone with the fire at all times until the fire is fully extinguished (emitting no flames, smoke, or heat). Remember, a buried fire is not an extinguished fire.

Where You Can Burn

A Category I fire must be at least 25 feet from structures and Category II or greater fire must be at least 50 feet from structures.

Other Permits

In addition to burn permits, the following items and services are available at the Windham Fire Department. Several of the permits/inspections listed are required by law, and individuals are encouraged to contact the Department at 603-434-4907 to ensure proper compliance with local, state, and/or federal regulations.