Frequently Asked Questions

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.

There is no charge for a fire permit obtained through the Town of Meredith locations.

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.

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.

If not, you need written permission from the landowner.

Material must be clean ordinary combustibles. Brush cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter.

Date, time of day, no burning 9 am to 5 pm unless it's raining (permit needed even when raining).

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.

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.

Your fire must be attended at all times, or completely extinguished.

Air pollution officials could require a fire be put out if there are smoke complaints.

Tires, tubes, plastics, shingles, and foam rubber are just some of the prohibited materials.