New Hampshire Department of Forest and Lands

Big Island Pond, Nottingham

Wildfires and the Wildland Urban Interface-Protecting your Home from Wildfires

As New Hampshire continues to become more populated with houses being constructed in the wildland urban interface, we continue to see a number of homes and structures impacted annually by wildfire. There are many programs available to assist landowners with addressing the threat of wildfires in relation to their structures. The FIREWISE COMMUNITIES program is a national initiative administered through the NFPA. This program provides valuable information and recommendations to homeowners based upon scientific research. Something as simple as creating 30' of defensible space around your home and outbuildings may mean the difference between firefighters being able to save your home or having it succumb to a wildfire. Other cooperative programs such as Fire Adapted Communities and Ready, Set, Go! provide valuable recommendations regarding home protection and emergency escape plans.

In 2007 NH had its first Community recognized as a Firewise Community.

photo of chocorua ski and beach association firewise group

Located in Tamworth, New Hampshire, Chocorua Ski & Beach Association is a small community set among pine barrens whose 50-year natural burn is a decade overdue.

Read more about the Ski & Beach Firewise Community.

fire adapted communities coalition logo

The Fire Adapted Communities Coalition is a group of partners committed to helping people and communities in the wildland urban interface adapt to living with wildfire and reduce their risk for damage, without compromising firefighter or civilian safety. The coalition provides information and expertise on activities related to Fire Adapted Communities.

ready. set. go logo

A cooperative program administrated by the International Association of Fire Chiefs provides assistance to both homeowners and resource professionals.

Ready - Take personal responsibility and prepare long before fires threatens.

Set - Be familiar with notification systems in your area and maintain situational awareness.

Go! - Act early by following your personal action plan.

firewise usa logo

The Firewise Communities approach emphasizes community responsibility for planning and development of a wildfire safe community. This involves taking individual landowner responsibility for safe home design and construction, firewise landscaping, and vegetative maintenance.

Wildfire preparedness in the northeast app logo

Wildfire Preparadness in the Northeast- this free app will help you prepare you home for wildfires, assess your home's risk for damge from wildfire, and help keep you informed recovery steps after a wildfire in your area.

insurance institute for business and home safey logo

This is an independent, nonprofit, scientific wildfire research and communications organization.

northeastwildfire.org logo

This is the official site of the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission-Wildfire Prevention and Education Working Team.

smokey the bear logo

This official Smokey Bear website provides a multitude of informational opportunities for children and adults as well as resources for educators.

NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the NH Division of Forests and Lands | 172 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03301