New Hampshire Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Hampshire - June 1, 2026

Overview

New Hampshire experienced a dry start to 2026, leading to early drought conditions and elevated fire risks during the spring months. However, over the past 72 hours, a significant weather system has brought cooler temperatures and soaking rain across the state, substantially dampening fine fuels such as grasses, leaves, and twigs. Consequently, the current wildfire risk is low, and the statewide burn ban has been lifted. Local and state resources are well-equipped and not currently strained by wildfire activity.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, there has been no significant new wildland fire activity reported in New Hampshire. The recent influx of rain has thoroughly saturated ground vegetation, effectively mitigating the risk of new starts. Earlier in May, crews battled several smaller fires—including a 5-alarm brush fire in Deerfield—but these have been successfully contained.

Key Fires:

• Patriot Fire: Located near Lancaster, this was the largest fire of the season thus far, burning approximately 200 acres. It was fueled primarily by heavy, continuous fuels such as mature grassland and forest litter. It is currently contained and no longer poses an active threat to people, property, or values at risk.
• Saw Fire: This fire burned 95 acres earlier in the season but is fully contained and no longer an active threat.
• Smaller Incidents: Recent minor fires from late May, such as the Rochester Fire (7 acres), Blackwater Fire (4 acres), and Londonderry Fire (1 acre), are contained. There are currently no immediate threats to communities from wildland fires.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies are actively utilizing the spring window to conduct fuel mitigation and habitat restoration. The White Mountain National Forest has been executing prescribed fire operations in areas including Camp 19, Fifield Brook, and Pond of Safety to maintain open grass and shrub habitats for wildlife and reduce overgrown vegetation that could feed future wildfires. Additionally, a prescribed burn was recently planned for the blueberry barrens on Blue Job Mountain in Farmington to maintain young forest habitat and reduce woody fuel accumulations.

Air Quality: Air quality across New Hampshire is currently excellent. The ongoing rain and absence of active wildfires have kept the air clear. Temporary, localized smoke may be visible near Farmington and the White Mountain National Forest due to prescribed burn operations, but no widespread impacts are expected for any communities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A cold, soaking rain has moved through the region over the last 72 hours, significantly increasing fuel moisture. Temperatures have been unusually cool for late May and early June, with highs in the 40s to low 60s and very high relative humidity (above 80%).

Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches in effect for New Hampshire. Showers and mostly cloudy conditions are expected to continue intermittently through the early part of the week. While winds may be gusty at times—particularly along the coast and higher terrain—the heavy precipitation and high relative humidity will prevent these winds from posing any fire danger. A gradual warming and drying trend is expected to begin by mid-week, with temperatures reaching the 70s and 80s, which will slowly begin to dry out surface fuels.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Although fire danger is currently low and the statewide burn ban has been lifted, residents are advised to remain mindful of local burning regulations. Anyone wishing to burn clean, ordinary combustibles (such as brush or untreated lumber) or have a camp fire must obtain a written Category 1, 2, or 3 fire permit from their local forest fire warden or fire department. Always check the daily fire danger rating before burning, as conditions can change rapidly once the weather dries out.

Resource Allocation: Local and state firefighting resources are not currently strained by wildfire activity. Agencies are utilizing this period of low fire behavior to focus on training, equipment maintenance, and executing planned prescribed burn projects.

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 Online Fire Permit System: nhfirepermit.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.