Dry air mass and breezy conditions will combine with dead and dry fuels such as grass, leaves, and twigs to create the potential for uncontrolled fire spread across most of New Hampshire on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. 

“Please use extra caution due to increased fire danger. Fire danger today, on a 1-5 scale, is rated 4: Very High,” said Chief Mark Klose, Rochester Fire Department. “Due to the low humidity and drought conditions, Rochester FD is asking the community to not use their seasonal fire pits, or burn brush. Also, please use extra care when discarding smoking material such as cigarettes. Do not throw cigarettes into bark mulch.”

Highs in the mid to high 60’s. North winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Minimum relative humidity around 26 percent. Afternoon humidity in the 20’s to low-30’s percent combined with winds gusting 20-30 mph will combine with dry fuels and produce Red Flag conditions this afternoon, thus a Red Flag Warning has been issued. Breezy conditions persist into Wednesday with uncertainty in how much moisture will enter the region; current model trends suggest dew points and humidity creep up Wednesday, however, elevated fire danger may again be present. No wetting rains are forecast within the region over our area through this weekend.

Always consult with local fire officials before engaging in any open burning activities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Contact the Rochester Fire Department at (603) 603-335-7545 for more information and inquiries.