Burn Permit Information

Apply for a permit online. If you have technical difficulties, permits may also be acquired in person by visiting the Hanover Fire Department.

Open burning may be suspended by the State of NH Division of Forest and Lands or by the Hanover Fire Chief when the fire danger is predicted to be a Class 3 (High) or greater.

Call toll-free 866-NH-FIRES (866-643-4737) or find out the reported fire danger rating before you burn.

Burn permit regulations, as outlined in RSA 227-L:17 and Res 5600:

• Except for public and private campgrounds or picnic sites, a burn permit is required for any outdoor fire unless there is complete snow cover in the area.
• You must own the property on which you plan to burn, or be able to provide written permission from the property owner allowing you to burn on their property.
• Fires must be attended at all times by the permit holder.
• Fires must be completely extinguished when not attended. Do not leave your fire to die out on its own - this is dangerous, negligent, and a direct violation of the law.
• Fire permits are a privilege. Please follow the rules, burn safely, and know that burning may be prohibited at any time due to dry or windy conditions.
• Information on what can and can not be burned

All Category III permits are suspended any time the Fire Danger Rating reaches Level 3 (High) or above! All Category III permits are required to call Hanover Dispatch at 603-643-3424 prior to ignition, every day of the burn

There are three fire categories, as defined by the NH Division of Forests and Lands:

• Category I: This is your typical backyard campfire. By law, they are defined as "a small controlled fire, such as a camping or cooking fire, no greater than 2 feet in diameter, contained within a ring of fire resistive material or in a portable fireplace, and located at least 25 feet from structures." Category I fires, conditions permitting, may be kindled at any time of day. Category I permits may be issued on an annual basis, expiring December 31 of the year they are issued.
• Category II: A larger, more restrictive definition of a campfire, Category II fires are defined as "a controlled fire, such as a camping or cooking fire, no greater than 4 feet in diameter, contained within a ring of fire resistive material or in a portable fireplace, and located at least 50 feet from structures." Category II fires, conditions permitting, may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5 pm and 9 am unless it is actually raining. Category II permits may be issued on an annual basis, expiring on December 31 of the year they are issued.
• Category III: Brush piles or bonfires, the law defines Category III fires as "any other fire, not a category I or category II fire or a fire greater than 4 feet in diameter or a fire not contained within a ring of resistive material and located at least 50 feet from structures." Category III fires, conditions permitting, may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5 pm and 9 am unless it is actually raining. Category III permits may be issued for up to 7 consecutive days.

Read more about Fire Danger Classifications. 

Permits can be obtained by clicking here. You will be navigated to the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands website. Etna residents choosing to use the online option must use Hanover for both their contact and burn addresses when filling out the application form.

Obtain a fire permit online and learn more about the rules and regulations

Thank you!!