Fire Permits
The Bristol Fire Department issues Fire Permits for outdoor burning. If there is not complete snow coverage in the 100 feet around the material to be burned then a permit is required. When there is snow coverage a fire cannot be kindled closer than 50 feet to a building or structure.
Fire permits can normally be obtained at the Public Safety Building from the duty crew.
***NOTICE***
We are always happy to see you at the Public Safety Building, but due to emergencies and other duties there is not always someone there to help you. If there is no one around, or you want to save yourself the trip into Town, click the link below to be taken to the NH Online Fire Permitting site:
Seasonal and Daily Burning Permit Portal
Permits must be printed and signed to be valid. They are also $5.50 each (the fee for the payment vendor)
Click here if you need to schedule a Fire Permit inspection or call the Fire Station at (603)744-2632.
Below are answers to common questions asked about permits:
- Permits may be obtained a the Public Safety Building, if you there is not someone at the station you may try again at a different time, or use the online portal, as noted above.
- Category I Permit- Commonly called a campfire permit is issued for an enclosed fire pit of less than 24" in diameter. Category I fires cannot be closer than 25' to a structure, and may be kindled any time of the day
- Category II Permit- This permit is issued for enclosed fire pits of more than 24", but less than 48" in diameter. Category II fires cannot be closer than 50' to a structure, and can only be kindled between 5 pm and 9 am.
- Category III Permit- Commonly called a brush fire permit is issued for unenclosed burning. Category III fires cannot be closer than 50' to a structure, and can only be kindled between 5 pm and 9 am.
- Raining- Category II and III fires may be kindled during the day when it is raining. A permit is still required. A heavy enough rain for this exception is usually defined as rain that requires you to use your windshield wipers when driving. Should the rain stop before 5 pm the fire must be extinguished.
- Multi day permits- To avoid multiple trips to the Fire Station, a property owner may obtain a Category III permit for up to 3 days. The decision to issue multi day permits rest with the duty officer and is based on current and forecasted weather.
- Only property owners, or persons with written landowner permission may obtain fire permits. A letter of permission template can be found here. Written permission may be brought to the Fire Station or emailed to [email protected].
- Persons under the age of 18, or who appear impaired by drugs or alcohol will not be issued a permit.
- This is not a complete list of rules, more information can be found below or by contact the Fire Station.