Burning Permits & Outdoor Burning

THE BEDFORD SAFETY COMPLEX IS BACK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. IF YOU PREFER  TO OBTAIN A FIRE PERMIT ONLINE, PLEASE USE THE NH DIVISION OF FORESTS AND LANDS WEBSITE: https://nh.burnsafeamerica.com/

State Ordinance


  • Per New Hampshire RSA 227-L:17 (PDF), a written permit shall be required to kindle an outdoor fire.
  • Permits are not required if the ground is covered with at least 1 inch of snow in a diameter of at least 100 feet around the burn area.
  • All laws, regulations, and ordinances must still be followed even if a permit is not required under the snow exception.

Daily Burn Permits


Daily Burn Permits can be obtained at the Bedford Fire Department. Daily permits are valid from 5 p.m. until midnight of the day they are issued. Seasonal Burn Permits can also be obtained.

Non-Landowner Requests


If a person other than a landowner wishes to obtain any category of fire permit, they must submit a letter of written permission from the landowner before a permit will be issued.
Prevent Forest Fires with Smokey the Bear
Categories of Fire Permits and when they are issued
  1. When Do I Need a Fire Permit?
  2. Where Can I Obtain a Fire Permit?
  3. How Much Does a Fire Permit Cost?
  4. How Do I Obtain a Seasonal Fire Permit?
  5. What Can I Burn?
  6. What Can't I Burn?
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