Fire Marshal Warns of Dangerous Conditions

The Merrimack Fire Department has responded to several brush fires and mulch fires during the past few days and is urging all residents to be aware of the current very high fire danger. Due to the recent warm weather and lack of rain, conditions are perfect for a brush fire to start and rapidly spread. The recent winters have added more deadfall to the woods and the possibility of a small fire rapidly turning into a large one is very high, especially when windy. Not only do brush fires destroy woodland, but due to the close proximity of many homes to woodlands in Merrimack a brush fire can quickly become a structure fire.

Many brush fires start as a legal permit burn that gets away from the permit holder. This may be due to having an excessively large fire, leaving the fire unattended or burning improper materials. A garden hose should always be available for the permit holder to control or extinguish the fire.

Improperly disposing of smoking materials is also a leading cause of brush fires, particularly along highways and roadsides. Please dispose of all smoking materials properly. Do not throw cigarette butts out of car windows!

Burn permits are currently being issued at Merrimack Fire Station 1 and 2; however the State of New Hampshire Department of Forests and Lands reviews weather conditions daily and issues the Fire Danger advisory by 2:30 p.m. For this reason the Merrimack Fire Department will only issue burn permits after 3 p.m. each day, as the State of New Hampshire may have declared a Red Flag Day and ordered all outside burning to be denied by that time.

The rules to obtain an outside burning permit are as follows:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a written fire permit. If you are not the owner of the property, you must have written permission from the owner to kindle a fire. Condominium associations must have a permission letter signed by the association board of directors on file at the Merrimack Fire Department for a permit to be issued to a condominium owner.
• Open burning is not permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. unless active rain is in progress. Permits issued during rain are void if the rain stops. Your fire must be extinguished at that time. You may burn allowable materials with a fire permit between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.
• Fires shall be at least 50 feet from any structure (25 feet for a Category I fire), and provisions must be made to prevent a fire from spreading to within 50 feet of a structure.
• A gas grill or charcoal fire in a container up and off the ground kindled by the land owner or with the land owner’s permission does not require a written fire permit.
• Brush being burned must be less than 5 inches in diameter. No stumps are allowed. Keep piles small and feed them during the burning process.
• Do not burn anything but brush and clean wood. DES regulations prohibit the burning of painted wood, pressure treated wood, tires, plastics, shingles, garbage and old furniture.
• All open fires must be constantly attended until completely extinguished. A buried fire is not considered extinguished.
• Do not use gasoline or any other accelerants to start a fire.
• A garden hose or other approved means of extinguishing must be available at the fire pit location.
• A seasonal burn permit may be obtained for a permanent fire pit by contacting the Merrimack Fire Department and requesting an inspection. Seasonal permits are subject to the same rules as a daily permit. A seasonal permit holder must call the Merrimack Fire Department before lighting a fire to ensure that outside burning is being allowed.

Note! The penalty for kindling a fire without a written permit is a misdemeanor violation with a fine of up to $2,000 and/or one year in jail.

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting grass, brush and sometimes homes. Reduce your risk by following these brush fire safety hints.

SAFETY HINTS

• In rural areas, keep a 30-50 foot "green" safety zone around your home
• Limit the use of flammable plants in landscape designs
• Limit the use of plants that develop dry or dead undergrowth
• Conduct regular maintenance of your property to reduce the opportunity of a brush fire
• Remove tree limbs around chimneys
• Keep the roof clear of dry leaves, needles and dead branches. Keep gutters clean
• Properly dispose of trash and debris
• Remove dead and accumulated vegetation and dispose of it properly
• Limit ladder fuels (plants that provide a link between the ground and your house)
• Stack firewood away from structures
• Store and use flammable liquids properly
• Always dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully
• Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach
• Make sure fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly display your address in a location easily visible from the street.

Contact the Merrimack Fire Department at 603-424-3690 with any questions.

– Submitted by Capt. John Manuele, Merrimack Fire Marshal