KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene officials are keeping a citywide ban on outdoor burning and consumer fireworks in effect as the wildfire danger reaches “very high” levels across much of New Hampshire.

The restriction, first enacted earlier this month, will stay in place until fire danger ratings drop and conditions improve. According to the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, today’s (Aug. 26) fire danger is rated “very high” in districts three through six, which includes the Monadnock Region.

Under that rating, fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly—sometimes faster than fire crews can respond. City officials warn that even a small spark could trigger a dangerous wildfire. Updates on the status of the ban will continue to be posted on the city’s website, where a red banner notice appears until the restriction is lifted.

The ban was first announced Aug. 9, when the city prohibited outdoor fires and fireworks after the region was classified as being under “moderate” fire danger. At that level, wildfires are possible but generally controllable with routine caution. Since then, increasingly dry conditions have pushed the risk higher, prompting the extended restrictions.

New Hampshire uses a five-tier National Fire Danger Rating System, ranging from “Low” to “Extreme,” to determine wildfire risk and guide local fire rules. The Division of Forests and Lands updates ratings each weekday morning and releases weekend forecasts on Friday afternoons.

When conditions eventually allow burning again, residents can obtain permits at NHFirePermit.com. Additional updates, including daily fire danger reports, are available from the Division of Forests and Lands via its website, X account, or the wildfire information line at 866-NH-FIRES.