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Orange Select Board flags potential wildfire liability under RSA 227‑L:22
Summary
The Select Board reviewed state statute RSA 227‑L:22 and an estimate that Orange could face roughly $180,763 in fire suppression liability if a fire occurs in Mt. Cardigan State Forest; the board will await legislative action before next steps.
Chair Samara Pitre briefed the Select Board on RSA 227‑L:22 at the July 7 meeting, explaining that if a fire were to occur in Mount Cardigan State Forest — a forest two‑thirds of which lies within Orange town boundaries — the town could be liable for one‑quarter of one percent of its valuation for fire suppression costs. The board cited an approximate liability figure of $180,763 and described that potential expense as cost‑prohibitive for the town.
Pitre said she shared the information with Orange State Representative Donald McFarlane and the board placed further action on hold until the Legislature reconvenes. No vote was taken to authorize expenditures; the matter was discussed as a financial exposure and for informational follow‑up. The board identified this as an item requiring further review when state legislative activity resumes.
