'Very high' fire danger level in Dover today

posted on: 9/22/2020

The National Weather Service issued a "Red Flag Warning" in New Hampshire and Western Maine for today, Sept. 22, 2020. The New Hampshire Fire Warden's also classified the fire danger level today as "Very High." Therefore, Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas declared there will be no burning allowed in the City of Dover today.

This applies to all permit categories.

The Red Flag Warning and the Very High Fire Danger Level is due to predicted warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds, which combined can produce an increased risk of fire danger. These conditions create the potential for uncontrolled fire spread across most of New Hampshire and Western Maine.

Relative humidity values today will decrease to low levels between 20s to low 30s this afternoon with winds gusting 20 to 30 mph that will continue to dry fuels on the ground and increase fire spread potential. No wetting rains are forecast within the region through this weekend.

The state and the City of Dover have stopped issuing burn permits during the very high fire danger condition. Outdoor burning will not be allowed in the City of Dover on Wednesday, even those with seasonal burn permits. Extra caution should be taken with disposing of flammable items, such as cigarettes.

Dover Fire Chief Paul Haas urged residents to be mindful while performing any task that could start a fire.

"Today's very high fire danger level is not common in this region, so please heed the caution of the Fire Warden," Haas said. "Please be very cautious with any activity that could lead start a fire, from sparks to flames."

New Hampshire utilizes the National Fire Danger Rating System that classifies fire danger into five categories. Today's fire danger is one step below the most dangerous conditions.

A "Very High Fire Danger" means that fires can start quickly from all causes and may spread faster than suppression resources can travel. Flame lengths will be long with high intensity, making controlling a fire very difficult. Both suppression and mop-up afterward will require an extended and comprehensive effort. Outdoor burning will not be permitted Tuesday.

The weather forecast for later this week remains similar to today with dry air, low humidity and gusty winds. 

The City of Dover utilizes the New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands online burn permit process. Because of today's fire danger, Haas and the Fire Warden stopped issuing permits.

Those seeking a burn permit can check nhfirepermit.com to see when permits again become available. Those who seek to know the daily fire danger rating can call the Division of Forests and Lands wildfire toll-free information line: 1-866-NH-FIRES (866-643-4737). Or visit the Division of Forest and Lands' fire danger website, www.nh.gov/nhdfl/community/daily-fire-danger.htm, to learn more.

For more information about fire permits in Dover, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 516-6148.