New Hampshire Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Hampshire - May 11, 2026

Overview

New Hampshire is experiencing elevated wildfire concerns due to a historically dry start to 2026. A lack of precipitation through the early months has kept much of the state—approximately 78%—in moderate to severe drought conditions. This dry spring transition period has exposed dead vegetation, dry grass, and lingering leaf litter, leading to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. State officials have noted an elevated wildfire threat as the spring wildfire season gets underway, requiring heightened vigilance from both residents and local fire departments.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire crews have been actively managing brush fires fueled by dry spring vegetation and high winds. Local and state firefighters are working collaboratively through mutual aid to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts as drought conditions persist.

Key Fires:

• Deerfield Brush Fire: A significant 5-alarm brush fire ignited on Middle Road in Deerfield after downed wires sparked the flames. The fire was fed by volatile fuels, including dead trees, dry spring vegetation, and lingering leaf litter, and was driven by high winds. The fast-moving flames threatened nearby homes and created hazardous conditions when two propane tanks inside equipment trailers exploded. Fire crews from multiple communities, including Raymond, North Hampton, Brentwood, Epping, Stratham, and York, Maine, assisted the Deerfield Fire Department. The fire has been contained, but crews have continued to monitor the area and mop up hotspots.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:

• Concord Municipal Airport: The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, with support from the New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau and other partners, is conducting a prescribed burn near the Concord Municipal Airport grounds before May 15. This burn aims to restore the Concord Pine Barrens habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and to reduce dangerous accumulations of wood that could fuel unmanageable wildfires.
• Sandbar Wildlife Management Area: A multi-agency team, including the New Hampshire Division of Forests & Lands, is participating in a 53-acre prescribed burn starting this week in neighboring Milton, Vermont, to restore a rare, fire-dependent Dry Pine-Oak-Heath Sandplain Forest.
• White Mountain National Forest: Several prescribed fires are planned across the Androscoggin, Pemigewasset, and Saco Ranger Districts to reduce hazardous fire fuels and manage forest health.

Air Quality: Smoke from these prescribed burns may create temporary visibility hazards and impact nearby areas. However, officials note that the smoke poses no imminent threat to public health or the community, and operations are only conducted under favorable weather parameters to minimize public impact.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across central New Hampshire are currently clear with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 60s and relative humidity near 52%.
Forecasted Weather: The fire danger is expected to fluctuate between moderate and high depending on the day. Sunny and drier conditions are expected early in the week, but relief is in the forecast with rain expected by mid-week (Wednesday and Thursday). This precipitation should help alleviate the dry fuels and lower the fire danger. There are currently no Red Flag Warnings in effect for New Hampshire, though the baseline fire risk remains elevated due to the ongoing drought.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire danger and local burn regulations. State law requires anyone planning outdoor burning to obtain a fire permit in advance, and burning is only permitted on days when fire danger levels are considered safe. It is crucial to clear dead leaves and pine needles from roofs and gutters, and to keep flammable materials like woodpiles and shrubs away from buildings to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and emergency personnel from multiple jurisdictions are collaborating effectively through mutual aid to manage incidents and protect communities. Agencies are also utilizing favorable weather windows to conduct vital fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information and to obtain fire permits, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands: www.nh.gov/nhdfl
NH Fire Permit System: nh.burnsafeamerica.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.