WHAT ARE THE FIRE CAUSES?
Lightning – These fires are often in remote locations and require considerable effort to extinguish. These fires are most common in July and August.
Smoking – Smoking fires are more common in the spring, when roadside grasses are dry and the relative humidity is low. RSA 227-L:19 makes it illegal to discard a lit cigarette or other incendiary devices from a vehicle. A violation fine for this offense is a minimum of $124.00.
Juvenile – Children sometimes start wildland fires in New Hampshire. This is very dangerous and can lead to injury and property damage.
Railroad – Railroad fires are not common in New Hampshire, but do occur. They are often times the result of defective brake systems or poorly maintained exhaust on trains. They are difficult for firefighters because they can be along miles of track.
Campfire – Campfires cause many fires in New Hampshire. Unextinguished, they may smolder for days or weeks before being discovered. Criminal charges may be brought against an individual who does not completely extinguish their fire, or has a fire without obtaining a Fire Permit from the Forest Fire Warden.
Debris Burning – These fires account for most of the fires in New Hampshire. Often times, homeowners fail to extinguish a permitted brush pile and leave it smoldering. These fires can pick up the next day if it is dry and breezy, or they may burn in to the ground and smolder for weeks. As with a campfire, criminal charges may be brought forward against anyone who does not properly extinguish their fire. A Fire Permit is required for debris burning.
Equipment – Equipment such as skidders and excavators sometimes are the cause of fires. This usually happens when the equipment itself catches fire. These fires can be difficult to fight as they often times occur in areas with poor access.
Miscellaneous – This category is used to describe fires which are started from other sources. Power lines and fireworks are two examples of miscellaneous fires.