The Division of Forests and Lands, through the Forest Protection Bureau, is responsible for protecting over 4.5 million acres of both public and private forestlands from the threat of wildland fire and crimes against the forest resource.

On average, New Hampshire experiences about 250 wildland fires each year, which burn an average of 250 acres. Another 200-300 illegal fires occur each year that are extinguished before they turn into a wildland fire. Wildland fire control is achieved through prevention, training, early detection, careful pre-planning, hazard mitigation, and suppression. These duties are carried out by a staff of Forest Rangers, Mobile Fire Patrols, Fire Tower Watchpersons, over 2,000 appointed Forest Fire Wardens, Deputy Wardens, and Special Deputy Wardens, and a myriad of other partners.

In order to protect and improve our forestlands, Forest Rangers enforce various forest laws that range from violation to felony levels. Areas of the law that Forest Rangers enforce include wildland fire prevention, air quality, timber theft and trespass, deceptive forestry business practices, wetlands, basal area, timber tax, and forest health. In addition to forest laws, Forest Rangers enforce all state laws for the protection of persons and property on any Department-controlled lands, including state forests and parks.

Daily Fire Danger

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