Snow Ushers in Burn Permit Season

With tonight’s expected snowfall and warm temperatures later this week, Upper Valley residents should have burn permits in-hand.

This winter’s heavy snowfall and the early spring melting in March means those burn piles could get out of control in no time. It only takes a small pile of brush in a mud puddle to start a wildfire. 

Fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to burn. We’ll have plenty of heat from tonight’s expected snowfall. Every piece of fuel will be well-soaked from the spring melt. Oxygen is the most abundant element on Earth. Together, these factors make a perfect recipe for a smoldering pile of sticks. 

Be sure to clear the ground around the pile or barrel. Let the few dry sticks in the pile smolder in the snow and mud for as long as feasible. Finally, make sure the fire is fully out and cold to the touch, which should be fairly easy given the weather conditions today.

But no, seriously, small-scale burn permits are actually required starting today, April 1st. The weather shifts quickly in the Upper Valley. There could be drought, high temps, and fire conditions in only a month. Visit the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection website to download the burn permit application.