New Hampshire Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Hampshire - April 21, 2026

Overview

New Hampshire is currently in its traditional spring fire season and is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a historically dry start to the year. A severe lack of precipitation from January through March has left 78 percent of the state in moderate to severe drought conditions. The combination of gusty winds, low humidity, and dry, over-wintered surface fuels before the spring green-up has created a highly conducive environment for brush fires.

The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national resources are stable, active geographic areas are experiencing localized fire activity that may require support as incidents increase.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, there have been no major, large-scale wildfires reported in New Hampshire. However, fire officials have noted a significant uptick in smaller spring initial-attack brush fires across the state. Local agencies and firefighters are actively responding to these incidents as they arise. To highlight the elevated risk, state officials have designated April 19 through April 25 as Wildfire Awareness Week.

Key Fires:

• Spring Brush Fires (Statewide): While there are currently no large-scale wildfires threatening communities, numerous smaller brush fires are active across the state. These fires are primarily being fed by dormant, over-wintered surface fuels, leaf litter, and dry brush.
• Newport/Croydon Brush Fire: Although it initially sparked just outside the 72-hour window, this recent notable fire near Sand Hill Road along the Newport town line required a second-alarm response. Fueled by dry vegetation and pushed by high winds, firefighters from multiple mutual aid departments successfully established containment lines and extinguished the blaze with no reported casualties.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Hotel Field Rx Fire is currently being tracked as an active prescribed burn in the state, utilized to manage fuel loads and mitigate future wildfire risks. Residents are reminded that outdoor burning requires a state fire permit in New Hampshire. For Category II and III fires, burning is typically restricted to between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless it is actively raining.

Air Quality: While there are no widespread air quality alerts currently active for New Hampshire due to local fires, residents near localized brush fires and prescribed burns should remain aware of potential temporary smoke impacts and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Current conditions in areas like Merrimack County are partly sunny and cool, with temperatures around 39°F and relatively low humidity near 33%.
Forecasted Weather: Blustery south winds are expected to increase the brush fire risk across the region, with potential wind gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph. Although a mix of rain and snow is forecast for Wednesday, which may provide temporary relief, the persistent dry fuels and high winds maintain an elevated fire danger in the immediate term. Residents should monitor the Daily Fire Danger classifications issued by the state, as conditions can change rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. With roughly half of the state's population living in drought-affected areas, it is crucial to have an emergency plan in place. Property owners should clear dead leaves, dry grass, and lingering debris from the previous year, as these can ignite easily during windy periods.
Resource Allocation: Local agencies and the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau are actively managing the uptick in spring brush fires. Agencies are emphasizing prevention and conducting fuel mitigation projects, such as prescribed burns, to clear high-risk areas before the summer season.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, 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
New Hampshire Fire Permit System: nhfirepermit.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.