Due to the dry conditions and current fire danger, there will be no open burning allowed (including seasonal permits), and no new fire permits issued until there is rain. Please email the fire department with any questions. Thank you for your cooperation.
Fire Department
Message from the Select Board – Retirement of Fire Chief Mark Rutherford
After serving as Fire Chief for the Town of Rollinsford for the past 14 years, Mark Rutherford has retired as Fire Chief. We would like to thank Chief Rutherford for over 35 years of service and dedication to the Town. We wish him well.
Shawn Glidden has been appointed as Fire Chief. Shawn has served as the Assistant Chief since 2019. Shawn has 30 years of experience in the fire service and has been a member of the Rollinsford Fire Department since 2007.
2023 Annual Report Available Online
December 2023 Meetings
The following meetings, regularly scheduled included, are hereby noticed for the Town of Rollinsford and will be held at the Rollinsford Town Hall, unless otherwise noted.
DECEMBER 2023
Select Board Meeting – Monday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tes-gebv-cfz
Or dial: (US) +1 520-800-2160 PIN: 489 181 998#
Planning Board Public Hearing & Meeting (Proposed changes to the Flood Plain and to Minimum Lot Sizes) – Tuesday, December 5th at 6;30 p.m.
**at the Rollinsford Grade School** previously noticed
Budget Committee Meeting – Wednesday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m.
RFD Regionalization Feasibility Study Committee Meeting – Thursday,
December 7th at 5:30 p.m.
Budget Committee Meeting – Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m.
School Board Meeting – Thursday, December 14th 6:00 p.m.
**at the Rollinsford Grade School**
Select Board Public Hearing (Scoutland Management Plan – proposed changes related to hunting) – Monday, December 18th at 5:30 p.m.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oga-bjqm-sxk
Or dial: (US) +1 484-424-6765 PIN: 580 343 713#
Select Board Public Hearing (Town Parking Regulations, Ordinance 75-01 – proposed changes to Section 1a Snow Emergencies) – Monday, December 18th at 6:15 p.m. or immediately following the Public Hearing on the Scoutland Management Plan scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oga-bjqm-sxk
Or dial: (US) +1 484-424-6765 PIN: 580 343 713#
Select Board Meeting – Monday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m. or immediately following the Public Hearing on proposed changes to the Town Parking Regulations, Ordinance 75-01.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oga-bjqm-sxk
Or dial: (US) +1 484-424-6765 PIN: 580 343 713#
Feasibility Study of Fire Department Regionalization
The Rollinsford Select Board will be forming a committee to explore the practicality of cooperating with one or more other communities to form a regional Fire Department. Committee members will be appointed by the Select Board.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please forward a letter of interest via email to the Town Administrator Paul Toussaint by May 12, 2023.
Feasibility Study of Fire Department Regionalization
The Rollinsford Select Board will be forming a committee to explore the practicality of cooperating with one or more other communities to form a regional Fire Department. Committee members will be appointed by the Select Board.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please forward a letter of interest to the Town Administrator, Paul Toussaint by May 12, 2023.
Rollins Road Reopened
Rollins Road is reopened to all through traffic. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Rollins Road Emergency Closure
Rollins Road is currently CLOSED from Silver Street to Somersworth Road due to an oil spill. Please seek an alternate route.
Fireworks Permits
As we approach the summer season, please be aware that the Town of Rollinsford has an ordinance that requires a permit for the use or display of fireworks. Those who are found to be in violation of this ordinance are subject to a fine.
Fireworks permit applications are available at the Rollinsford Fire Department or at the Rollinsford Police Department. Applications can also be downloaded HERE ONLINE. Per the ordinance, applications must be submitted at least (15) days in advance of the display.
A copy of the ordinance is available at the town hall or through the police department.
Burn Permits
As a reminder, a permit is required for open burning. The Fire Station remains closed to the public, but permits can be obtained ONLINE HERE. (Please note: the department reserves the right to inspect any permit.)
Daily fire weather/fire danger information can be obtained HERE
General Burn Permit Rules
- Anyone who wishes to burn clean, ordinary combustibles such as leaves, brush or untreated lumber, or have a camp or cooking fire MUST have written permission from the landowner AND a fire permit.
- Permittee must be at least 18 years old
- Brush and wood must not exceed 5 inches in diameter. No household waste, treated wood or composite materials may be burned.
- A category I fire must be at least 25’ from structures and category II or greater fire must be at least 50’ from structures.
- Burning is NOT permitted during daytime hours, between 9am – 5pm (unless it is actively raining).
- You must have written landowner approval to receive a fire permit or furnish proof that you are the legal landowner.
- The NH Department of Environmental Services has regulations that must be followed regarding the testing and abatement of asbestos prior to demolition. Only clean, untreated/unpainted and non-contaminated wood may be burned.
- Permittee must have sufficient water, tools and personnel necessary to control and completely extinguish the fire. A buried fire is NOT an extinguished fire.
- Using tires or tubes to start a fire is a direct violation of the NH DES Air Resources Division rules and regulations.