Local
Wild River Fire Nearly Contained, but Drought Keeps New Hampshire on Edge
Firefighters have brought the largest wildfire in White Mountain National Forest history to nearly 60 percent containment, but officials warn that abnormally dry conditions could spark new blazes across the state.
CONCORD, N.H. â Firefighters have gained the upper hand on the largest wildfire in the history of White Mountain National Forest, but state officials are warning that persistent drought conditions could ignite new fires across New Hampshire.
The Wild River Fire, which has burned nearly 1,000 acres since it started Nov. 1, is now about 60 percent contained, according to the New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau. The blaze is the biggest fire in the White Mountain National Forest since the forest was established in 1918.
Michael Matson, chief of the Forest Protection Bureau, said underlying drought conditions allowed the fire to take off quickly. Firefighters had limited access to the remote terrain, giving the flames time to grow, and steep slopes combined with windy conditions caused the fire to race uphill.
âThe drought conditions helped the fire take off,â Matson said. âLimited access gave it time to grow, and the terrain played a big role, with the fire racing up steep slopes aided by windy conditions.â
The fire has drawn crews from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, which has been posting photos of firefighters cutting burning logs and working the creeping understory burn. The response has been complicated by the rugged landscape and the dry fuels that have built up over months of below-normal precipitation.
While the containment lines are holding, Matson and other officials are concerned that the same dry conditions could spark additional fires elsewhere in the state. Abnormally dry weather has left forests and brushlands vulnerable, and a single spark â from a campfire, a downed power line, or equipment â could quickly escalate.
The Wild River Fire is a stark reminder of how climate-driven drought is reshaping fire risk in the Northeast. Historically, large wildfires have been rare in New England, but warmer temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns have made the region more susceptible to the kind of blazes once associated with the West.
For now, firefighters continue to monitor the perimeter and extinguish hot spots. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, follow any burn restrictions, and report smoke or fire immediately. With no significant rainfall in the forecast, the concern is unlikely to fade soon.
âWeâre not out of the woods yet,â Matson said. âThe conditions are still very dry, and we need everyone to be careful.â