Fire Restrictions Emplaced on White Mountain National Forest

White Mountain National Forest Implements Fire Restrictions

Campton, NH – September 25, 2020 – The White Mountain National Forest will implement fire restrictions beginning Friday, September 25. Visitors and residents are reminded to be smart about having fires at designated campgrounds while recreating on the White Mountain National Forest.

Fire Restrictions will be implemented on the White Mountain National Forest as of 12:01 P.M. Friday, September 25. These restrictions allow fires only in U.S. Forest Service provided metal fire rings, metal fire pits or pole mounted grills at designated campgrounds or picnic areas. The following campgrounds are the ONLY locations on the White Mountain National Forest that fires are allowed within established fire control devices.

Barnes Field Group Campground

Crocker Pond Campground

Dolly Copp Campground

Hastings Campground

Wild River Campground

Big Rock Campground

Campton Campground

Hancock Campground

Osceola Vista Campground/Group Campground

Russell Pond Campground

Sugarloaf I Campground

Sugarloaf II Campground

Waterville Campground

Wildwood Campground

Zealand Campground

Basin Campground

Blackberry Crossing Campground

Cold River Campground

Covered Bridge Campground

Jigger Johnson Campground

Passaconaway Campground

White Ledge Campground

4th Iron

Dry conditions, current and expected weather conditions, and available fire-fighting resources, as well as the occurrence of human-caused fires are factors in the determination to implement fire restrictions on public lands. White Mountain National Forest Fire managers are reminding the public that unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Fire danger is high, and forecasts call for warm and dry conditions to persist for the remainder of September and beyond. White Mountain National Forest personnel have extinguished 129 unattended or abandoned campfires this summer. All campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving a site. Campers and day users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is "dead out" and cold to the touch before departing. Stay informed regarding fire conditions and follow all guidelines and restrictions.

The following restrictions exist year-round on federal public lands:

  • Operating a chainsaw on national forest lands is permitted only when equipped with a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester that is properly installed and in effective working order. Operators must also carry a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
  • Discharge of fireworks and use of explosives requiring blasting caps are prohibited.

Violators of these prohibitions could face civil and criminal penalties and fines up to $5000.

The public is encouraged to report illegal campfires, as well as smoke reports, to the local White Mountain NF District Office or 911.

Androscoggin Ranger District: 603-466-2713

Saco Ranger District: 603-477-5488

Pemigewasset Ranger District: 603-536-6100

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