Brush banned from Bartlett Jackson Transfer Station

Rain needed to ease threat of fire

"We could use a nice long soaking for three or fours days in a row," Fire Chief Roger Labbe said yesterday after meeting with selectmen to discuss burn restrictions. Upon Labbe's advice, the board issued a press release stating that brush will no longer be accepted at Bartlett Jackson Transfer Station until Mother Nature delivers some much needed rain."Attention Bartlett Jackson Transfer Station users," Selectmen Gene Chandler, Doug Garland and David Shedd wrote. "Please be advised until further notice, that due to extremely dry conditions, we will no longer be accepting brush at the transfer station. We apologize for any inconvenience but feel we must do this for safety reasons."Earlier this month N.H. Division of Forests and Lands Chief Robert "Bud" Nelson announced that no fire permits shall be issued for brush and bon fires until further notice everywhere in the state except Coos County. "This does not affect seasonal permits at approved public and private campgrounds (because these campsites are inspected annually)," Nelson stated. "All campgrounds are advised to keep fires small; flame heights not to exceed two feet and managers should have ample supplies of water ready to extinguish fires."At local forest fire warden discretion camp and cooking fire permits may be issued to private citizens being mindful of safety and local conditions flame heights not to exceed two feet. Community landfill operators also need to be aware of this restriction as it will impact them, Nelson said. He advised that communities may want to notify residents that brush will not be accepted at landfills.Nelson said charcoal fires in a container set off the ground are permissible. Backcountry recreationalists are encouraged to use gas stoves since no open fires are allowed. Open fires are allowed in White Mountain National Forest pending authorization by the United States Forest Service."Be careful," Nelson urged. "Stress safety first if you have a fire. No tree, acre of land or building is worth a person's life."If anyone has questions about the current fire regulations, contact Chief Nelson at 271-2217."I know it's very dry," Shedd said. "There is some rain the forecast for the weekend, but I think we'll probably need more than that before we can raise the (brush) ban."