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Fire Department
Mission Statement
To serve and protect the community of Meredith and wherever summoned with the greatest possible skill and professionalism, while holding ourselves to the highest possible code of conduct as both responders and citizens.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Meredith Fire Department is to provide fire and life safety services to all those in need, with the highest level of professional service and compassion to those who live, work, visit, or invest in our community. We look to accomplish this mission through arduous training and education while embracing ever-changing technology and methods. As a team, we will carry ourselves with dignity and without thought of personal risk, compensation, or gain. We pride ourselves in being able to handle any emergency at a moment’s notice and will strive to be “always ready.”
About Us
The Town of Meredith is situated in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region and the Meredith Fire Department proudly protects 6,662 year-round residents (2020 census) living in an area of 53.7 square miles. During the peak tourist season the population can more than triple, necessitating robust emergency services.
The Meredith Fire Department operates from two strategically located stations, primarily protecting a residential and rural area that also encompasses 14.2 square miles of water in Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Waukewan, Lake Winnisquam, and several smaller lakes and ponds within the Town boundaries. The Department also serves several islands in these bodies of water that are populated in the summer months.
As a public department, the Meredith Fire Department currently employs a staffing model that includes four firefighters and two officers on 12-hour shifts, supplemented by part-time staff working eight-hour shifts and paid-on call-members. This diverse team provides a comprehensive range of services, including fire suppression, search and rescue, extrication, and hazardous material response.
In addition to emergency services, the department is committed to community engagement through public safety education. It conducts programs focused on fire safety, prevention, and emergency preparedness, and frequently hosts events and demonstrations to raise awareness and readiness among residents and visitors alike.
- Where can I obtain a fire permit in the Town of Meredith?
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In Person
When obtaining a permit, be prepared to show a photo ID, such as a driver's license. Permits can be obtained at the following locations during normal business hours:
- Meredith Fire Department - 286 Daniel Webster Highway
- Meredith Town Clerk Office - 41 Main Street
- Y-Landing Marine Services - 108 Powers Road
Online
Permits are now available online! Please go to the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands' Online Burn Permitting System to apply online.
Please Note: The online permits are available for your convenience, and there is a small fee ($3) which is used to maintain the online program. The Town of Meredith nor the Meredith Fire Department receive these fees.
- What is the cost of a fire permit?
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There is no charge for a fire permit obtained through the Town of Meredith locations.
- How long is a fire permit valid?
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A fire permit is valid for up to three days, starting from the day of issue.
For those obtaining a seasonal Category I or II permit, the permit is valid through December 31 of the calendar year it was issued.
- What can you burn and when?
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Only leaves, woody debris or brush less than 5 inches in diameter can be burned. Dimension lumber and untreated wood can also be burned. No combustible domestic waste, treated wood, or composite materials may be burned. RSA-125N defines "combustible domestic waste" as, but not limited to, household trash, packaging materials, plastics, coated or laminated papers, rubber or treated wood, coated or treated cardboard, oily rags, and animal, vegetable, and kitchen waste.
For any open burning, a written fire permit is required. A category I fire may be kindled with a permit at any time, whether raining or not. A category II and category III fire may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5 pm and 9 am, unless it is raining. If it stops raining, the fire must be extinguished.
- Do you own the land where you plan to burn?
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If not, you need written permission from the landowner.
- What are you going to burn?
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Material must be clean ordinary combustibles. Brush cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter.
- When do you want to burn?
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Date, time of day, no burning 9 am to 5 pm unless it's raining (permit needed even when raining).
- Where are you going to burn? How far from the nearest structure, trees and dead vegetation or overhead phone or power lines?
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Category I fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure, and category II or greater fires must be at least 50 feet from any structure.
- What do you have for fire protection?
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A hose, shovel or rake, and a bucket of water should be available at the fire. You are liable for the costs of extinguishing escaped fires.
- How much help will you have during the burn?
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Your fire must be attended at all times, or completely extinguished.