Frequently Asked Questions

According to the provisions of New Hampshire RSA 227-L:17(II), Woodland Fire Control, anyone wishing to kindle any fire shall obtain a written permit from the Forest Fire Warden in the town or city where the fire will be kindled. You may only burn clean, ordinary combustibles such as leaves, brush or untreated lumber. You must be 18 of age to obtain a written fire permit.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding burn permits:

How do I obtain a burn permit?
If you wish to obtain a permit, contact the Lee Fire Department at 659-5411.

Town Fire Warden: Peter Hoyt, 659-7790 Deputy Fire Warden: Joe Lombardo, 659-7203 Deputy Fire Warden: Jim Brown, 396-3733 Deputy Fire Warden: Mark Kustra, 659-2442 Deputy Fire Warden: Scott Nemet, 292-5007 Deputy Fire Warden Phil Stetson 817-7081

What can I burn?
Only leaves, woody debris or brush less than 5 inches in diameter, or untreated wood and dimension lumber can be burned. Air quality regulations restrict the type of material burned in the open. Stumps, painted or treated lumber, tires, tubes, plastics, foam rubber and shingles are some of the prohibited materials. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services website: http://www.des.state.nh.us/

When can I burn?
No open burning is permitted between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm unless it is raining. If you begin burning in the rain between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, you must extinguish the fire if it stops raining and resume after 5:00 pm.

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Can I ever burn without a permit?
Generally, no. For any open burning a written fire permit is required - even in the rain. The only exception is when the ground is completely covered in snow. In those instances a permit is not required. If you're unsure, call the Town Fire Warden.

Are campground owners required to obtain a permit?
Yes, there are special provisions for campgrounds. Public or privately owned camp or picnic grounds must obtain an annual written fire permit from the Town Forest Fire Warden for use of outside fireplaces, camp or cooking fires used in the operation of the camp or picnic grounds. Such camp or cooking fires should:

1. Be in an area cleaned to mineral soil at least eight (8) feet across
2. Have at least six (6) inches of sand or gravel under the fire for any fire built on the ground
3. Have no limbs or other burnable material to a height of ten (10) feet above the fireplace area
4. Be constructed so they cannot be moved from their mineral soil area

Before requesting a permit, take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:

What are you going to burn?
Material must be clean, ordinary combustibles. Brush cannot exceed 5 inches in diameter.

How much help will you have during the burn?
Your fire must be attended at all times, or completely extinguished.

Where are you going to burn?
How far from the nearest structure, trees and dead vegetation or overhead phone or power lines? Fires must be no closer than 50 feet from a structure, or 25 feet if in an approved incinerator.

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Do you own the land where you plan to burn?
If not, do you have written permission from the landowner?

When do you want to burn?
You’ll need to know the date and time of day you plan to burn. No burning between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm unless it is raining (a permit is still required).

Will you be able to extinguish your fire if someone complains?
Air pollution officials could require a fire be put out if there are smoke complaints.

What do you have for fire protection?
A hose, shovel or rake, and a bucket of water should be available at the fire. You are liable for the costs of extinguishing escaped fires.

Are there any tires or tubes in the material to be burned?
Tires, tubes, plastics, shingles, and foam rubber are just some of the prohibited materials.

Remember... It's the law!

Any person violating the permit law and its provisions and any person who willfully or recklessly kindles a fire that endangers woodlands, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000.00 and/or up to one year in jail.

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GENERAL FAQS

We haven’t used our fireplace/woodstove in years. Do you think it is safe?
If you are concerned about the condition of your fireplace, chimney, or woodstove, please call us at 659-5411 and we will inspect it for you. Annual inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney sweep is a critical step in reducing the potential for chimney fires.

When is the Fire Station open for tours?
Individual and group tours of the fire station can be scheduled by calling 659-5411 at least one week prior to your desired tour date. Tours typically are conducted on weekday mornings, however, a time can be arranged to accommodate your request. A typical tour includes a walk through of the station, a tour of the fire trucks and a visit from a firefighter dressed in full gear. Tours can also include fire safety videos and handouts.

How many smoke detectors do I need for my house?
You need at least one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement. For maximum protection, we recommend one in each bedroom, too. If you are renting property, you are required to have at least one hard-wired smoke detector on each floor.

I live in an apartment and one of my smoke detectors looks broken. What should I do?
First, contact your landlord or property manager and request that it be looked at immediately. If there is a delay in the repairs or if you need further assistance, please call 659-5411 and we will assist you.

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How often should I test my smoke detector?
You should test your smoke detector monthly. Most detectors have a button you can push to test them. Change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year. A handy way to remember to change your batteries is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every ten years. Never disable your smoke detector by removing the batteries. Remember, a smoke detector that isn’t working can’t save you.

Where can I take my fire extinguisher to be tested or recharged?
Seacoast Fire Equipment in Newington (1-800-683-5771) and Tri-State Fire Protection in Rochester (1-800-244-7531) will test and recharge your fire extinguisher for a fee. Be sure to check for extinguisher to see if it is rechargeable. Most non-rechargeable extinguishers will be labeled as such. The Lee Fire & Rescue Department does not recharge or test fire extinguishers.

Where can I learn CPR?
CPR classes are offered periodically by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (742-5252) and Portsmouth Regional Hospital (436-5110). The University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Program also offers CPR and EMT classes (www.learn.unh.edu or call 862-2015 for a catalog).

How do I get a copy of a fire incident report?
Call the Fire Department at 659-5411. We will need the date of the incident and the address.

Do you get cats out of trees/telephone poles/off of roofs?
No. The best way to coax a cat back down is to open a can of tuna, place it near the tree or pole and wait for the cat to come down on its own.

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We had a medical emergency and needed an ambulance. Why did a fire truck come too?
A fire truck is sent out with every medical call to ensure that qualified medical personnel arrive quickly. As the ambulance service is a volunteer agency, sometimes there may be a delay in staffing an ambulance to respond. We also send a fire truck on medical calls because of the extra manpower needed for some lifesaving procedures. The extra medical personnel need to have the firefighting apparatus with them in case another emergency occurs before they return to the station.

How do I contact the Durham Ambulance Corps?
The Durham Ambulance Corps can be reached at (603) 862-3674. They can answer questions regarding ambulance billing, volunteer opportunities, and medical treatment reports.

Why does more than one fire apparatus respond to a simple incident?
Fire Department apparatus is dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator or the person reporting the emergency. The Fire Department responds prepared to deal with the worst that could happen based upon that information. In emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. We respond as fast as we safely can, with personnel trained to provide the best service possible and apparatus sufficient to deal with the "worst" possible outcome. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

Why do firefighters cut holes in the roof of a building on fire?
This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gasses and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. It is impossible for firefighters to see in this environment. When a hole is made in the roof, the smoke and gases escape. Venting the roof makes it easier for firefighters to see and find the source of the fire, and it also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fire is spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise to the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire and cut holes in the roof to release the heat and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

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How can I become a firefighter?
To find out about becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Department, please go to our Volunteer page.

My son/daughter is interested in becoming a Fire Explorer. Where can I find out more information?
To become a Fire Explorer, candidates must be between 14 and 20 years of age, have parental consent (if younger than 18 years of age), complete the required introductory training, and abide by Lee Fire & Rescue Department rules of conduct. Please go to our Fire Explorer Program page for more detailed information on the program and who to contact.

I’d like to volunteer for the Department, but I don’t want to be a firefighter or EMT. Is there anything else I can do to help?
YES! The Department is always looking for non-responder volunteers to assist in keeping operations running smoothly. Please go to our Volunteer page for more information on these opportunities.