Caution Urged Amid High Fire Danger Warning In New Hampshire

BEDFORD, NH — High winds, low humidity and the growing season being in its earliest stages caused the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands to issue a Class 3 (High) Fire Danger Warning on Tuesday for areas of the state without snow cover. Residents are urged to be extremely careful around any open sparks or flames that could spread quickly if not contained.

“It’s not that there is an increased risk of a fire just suddenly starting, like spontaneous combustion,” Bedford Fire Capt. Thatcher Plante said. “It’s just that if a fire were to start it can spread rapidly and be difficult to extinguish. My message to residents would be to check with their individual municipalities about whether or not they are allowed to burn.”

Plante said in Bedford that means there are no burning of brush allowed on those days. Cooking and campfires are still allowed, but he advises to be extra alert to any stray sparks or embers.

“Obviously, we urge residents to use caution,” Plante said. “The more caution the higher the danger gets.”

Plante also reminds residents that any fire they create is their responsibility.

“Just because somebody has a permit, and is allowed to use (a fire), that does not indemnify them of any responsibility if the fire gets out of their control,” he said. “They are still responsible for any damages that they cause.”

While a bout of rain and wet snow should lessen the danger Tuesday night and into the early part of Wednesday, dry air and high winds are forecast to return Wednesday afternoon, likely increasing fire danger level once again.