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DISTRICT FOREST RANGER &TOWN FIRE WARDEN -- 2010
Your local Forest Fire Warden, Fire Department, and the State of New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, work collaboratively to reduce the risk and frequency of wildland fires in New Hampshire. To help us assist you, please contact your local Forest Fire Warden or Fire Department to determine if a permit is required before doing ANY outside burning. Under State law (RSA 227-L:17) a fire permit is required for all outside burning unless the ground is completely covered with snow. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services also prohibits the open burning of household waste. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local fire department or DES at 1-800-498-6868 or www.des.state.nh.us for more information. Safe open burning requires diligence and responsibility. Help us to protect New Hampshire’s forest resources. For more information please contact the Division of Forests & Lands at (603)271-2214, or online at www.nhdfl.org.
This past fire season had a slightly lower number of fires, as well as lower number of acres burned than the 5 year average. What made this fire season somewhat unusual was that it lasted most of the summer. New Hampshire typically has a fairly active spring fire season and then the summer rains tend to dampen fire activity later in the season. This year virtually all areas of the state had fires throughout the summer due to the periodic dry spells throughout the season. As has been the case over the last few years, state budget constraints have limited the staffing of our statewide system of 16 fire lookout towers to Class III or higher fire danger days. Despite the reduction in the number of days staffed, our fire lookouts are credited with keeping most fires small and saving several structures due to
their quick and accurate spotting capabilities. The towers’ fire spotting was supplemented by contracted aircraft and the NH Civil Air Patrol when the fire danger was especially high. The largest fire for the season was 10.3 acre fire in Charlestown. Many homes in New Hampshire are located in the wildland urban interface, which is the area where homes and flammable wildland fuels intermix. Several of the fires during the 2010 season threatened structures, a constant reminder that forest fires burn more than just trees. Homeowners should take measures to prevent a wildland fire from spreading to their home. Precautions include keeping your roof and gutters clear of leaves and pine needles, and maintaining adequate green space around your home free of flammable materials. Additional information and homeowner recommendations are available at www.firewise.org. Please help Smokey Bear, your local fire department, and the state’s Forest Rangers by being fire wise and fire safe!
Please remember Fire Permits are available at the Jackson Transfer Station from Jon Edgerly during the regular business hours. The Jackson Transfer Station is open Friday through Tuesday from 12:00 Noon – 6:00 p.m. Fire Permits are also available from Gordon W. Lang, Warden and Kenny Crowther, Deputy Warden. All brush piles larger than the equivalent size of a “Volkswagen Beetle” must be inspected by one of the above listed people, prior to igniting.
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