Gov. Ayotte and White Mountain National Forest move to ban outdoor fires as drought conditions persist

As New Hampshire exits its driest summer on record, drought-like conditions are triggering new statewide fire restrictions.

A proclamation issued Monday by Gov. Kelly Ayotte bans all open fires until further notice. The new limits also bar smoking in or near woodlands, and on public trails. Without a period of sustained rainfall, the prohibitions could remain in effect until winter.

“With the drought conditions we will need multiple rain events to reduce the wildfire risk,” said Chief Steven Sherman, of the N.H. Forest Protection Bureau. “We may not see the wildfire risk reduced through the fall.”

Separate limits on outdoor fires were also announced for the federally-controlled White Mountain National Forest. Those restrictions include a prohibition on any camp or cooking fire outside o