Firefighters on Thursday reported that the wildfire raging across the White Mountains of New Hampshire has been reduced to 856 acres, down from earlier estimates that placed it above 1,000 acres. The U.S. Forest Service said the blaze remains largely uncontained, with only 11% of the perimeter secured.
Human cause suspected
During a briefing held in Shelburne, agency officials indicated that the fire was likely caused by human activity, though the exact source has not yet been identified. The Forest Service emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the public should avoid the area while crews work to fully suppress the blaze.
Firefighting tactics
Crews have shifted to “mop‑up” operations, focusing on extinguishing lingering hot spots within the already‑contained sections of the fire. This step is intended to reduce the risk of the fire reigniting under windy conditions. Water drops, hand tools, and controlled burns are being employed to cool the ground and remove any remaining fuel.
Local resident response
Leo Joost, a resident who lives near the fire, described the scene: “The place was just inundated with smoke. I live on top of a hill, and as I said, backed into the forest, so I did panic. I climbed up on the roof and looked where the smoke was coming from, called 911. Most important to us is to thank all the firefighters who have come from all over.” His comments highlight the community’s gratitude for the out‑of‑state crews assisting the effort.
No threat to private property
Officials assured nearby homeowners that the fire is not expected to spread onto private land. The terrain and current wind patterns are working in favor of containment, and fire lines have been established to protect structures on the periphery of the burn area.
What’s next?
The Forest Service will continue to monitor the fire’s behavior over the next several days, adjusting tactics as needed. Residents are asked to stay informed through local news outlets and official agency updates, and to avoid the fire zone until it is fully contained.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
