The New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau says this week is “Wildfire Awareness Week,” so here’s a pop quiz: How many wildfires does the Granite State experience on average each year?
If you guessed 50 wildfires per year, then you’re way too low. If you guessed 150, you’re closer but still pretty far off.
New Hampshire has had an average of 285 wildfires per year for the past two decades, according to the Forest Protection Bureau.
Steven Sherman, the bureau’s chief, said wildfires in the state are most often contained while small. Only about 221 acres have been impacted on average each year. But it’s important to remember that dry and windy conditions can turn small wildfires into larger and more damaging events.
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“Being aware of the changing weather conditions, elevated fire danger and complying with fire permitting requirements can help prevent devastating consequences for you, your neighbor and your community,” Sherman said, noting the historic 2023 wildfires in neighboring Quebec and across Canada.
This week’s campaign in New Hampshire is part of a coordinated public awareness effort with US and Canadian partners in the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission to help educate the public about how to reduce wildfire risks region-wide during a time of year when temperatures are rising, humidity remains relatively low, wind gusts pick up, and dry grasses and leaves heighten risks.
“It’s important to recognize that, unlike other regions of the United States, wildfire season in New Hampshire can begin early in the spring,” said Nathan Blanchard, a forest ranger with the New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau. “Human activities add to the mix of risk factors because we’re all ready to spend time outside after months of winter weather.”
Blanchard said spring cookouts, yard cleanup efforts, improper disposal of wood stove ash, and more can cause wildfires that can “quickly run and turn into a big problem.”
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If you want to have an outdoor fire in New Hampshire, you must get a state fire permit in advance from the local fire department. The permits — which will be issued only on days when conditions indicate it is safe to burn — are available online at nhfirepermit.com.
This story first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you’d like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.