New Hampshire Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Hampshire - July 12, 2026

Overview

New Hampshire is currently monitoring its fire risk following a historically dry start to 2026, which placed much of the state under moderate to severe drought conditions earlier this year. While recent seasonal weather has mitigated some of the extreme dryness, lingering precipitation deficits and hot summer temperatures maintain an elevated wildfire threat in susceptible areas, particularly where dry vegetation persists. The current National Preparedness Level is 4, indicating that national firefighting resources are heavily committed to complex incidents in other regions of the country.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, wildland fire activity across New Hampshire has been minimal. There are currently no significant active wildfires burning or threatening communities within the state. Local and state fire crews remain on normal patrol and monitoring status.

Key Fires: There are currently no significant or large-scale wildfires active in New Hampshire. When fires do occur in the region under current conditions, they are typically fueled by mature grasslands, dry weed fields, forest litter, and timber understory.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Agencies including the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the Forest Protection Bureau, and the New Hampshire Prescribed Fire Council utilize prescribed burns to restore crucial wildlife habitats—such as those for the state's endangered Karner blue butterfly—and to reduce dangerous fuel accumulations. While these land management activities are heavily utilized in the spring and fall, summer prescribed burn operations are typically paused.

Air Quality: With no active large-scale wildfires in the state, air quality remains generally good. High temperatures and humidity may cause localized summer haze, but smoke impacts from wildland fires are currently negligible.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across New Hampshire are sunny and warm. Morning temperatures are in the 60s, with daytime highs expected to reach the mid-80s to low 90s. Humidity levels remain moderate to high.

Forecasted Weather: Over the next 72 hours, a warm and humid pattern will continue. Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are possible, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, which may provide localized moisture to fuels. There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches in effect for New Hampshire. Winds are expected to remain relatively light, minimizing the risk of rapid fire spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are reminded that the State of New Hampshire legally requires a written fire permit from a local forest fire warden or fire department before starting ANY outside fire, unless the ground is covered with snow. Strict regulations apply to Category 1, 2, and 3 fires based on daily fire danger levels, and burning is prohibited on high fire weather days. Residents are encouraged to maintain defensible space by clearing dead leaves, dry grass, and brush from around their homes.

Resource Allocation: With minimal local fire activity, New Hampshire fire agencies are focusing on local training, equipment maintenance, and readiness, while national resources remain heavily allocated to active fire regions in the western United States.

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
NH Fire Permit Information: nh.burnsafeamerica.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.