Wild River Fire Burns Over 800 Acres in New Hampshire
The U.S. Forest Service is investigating the blaze in the White Mountain National Forest near Gorham, where it was 29% contained as of Sunday.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Severe Weather
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The Wild River Fire has burned more than 800 acres in the White Mountain National Forest near Gorham, N.H. The U.S. Forest Service is investigating the fire, which it suspects was caused by human activity.
Why it matters
Dry leaf litter, dead trees and timber have fueled the spread, and the fire has continued burning through the night when humidity typically tempers activity. Officials say a season-ending event, such as multiple inches of rain or snow, will be needed to control it.
The Wild River Fire covers more than 800 acres with 29% containment reported Sunday, according to Forest Service figures. A Thursday high of 78 degrees in Gorham preceded cooler temperatures and increased precipitation over the weekend, but the specific cause of ignition remains under investigation.
The players
U.S. Forest Service
The federal agency responsible for managing the White Mountain National Forest and investigating the Wild River Fire.
The details
Abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions and warm days and evenings intensified the blaze, according to experts. Cooler temperatures and precipitation over the weekend helped slow its progress, though the fire continued to burn actively through the night.
Timeline
Thursday: Gorham reached a high of 78 degrees as the fire burned.
Weekend: Cooler temperatures and increased precipitation helped slow the fire.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: The fire was reported 29% contained.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 6-7 p.m.: Public meeting at Shelburne Town Hall on the Wild River Fire.
Seasonal Patterns
The conditions behind the Wild River Fire, including abnormally dry to moderate drought and warm temperatures, match the warming and drought trends described in the Fifth National Climate Assessment published in 2023 and New Hampshire's climate assessment from 2021. The fire is also the largest in the White Mountain National Forest since its founding more than a century ago.
Residents near Gorham and the White Mountain National Forest should monitor Forest Service updates on containment and avoid the burn area. Fire conditions remain dangerous until a season-ending event brings sufficient rain or snow.
The takeaway
Dry conditions and warm weather can turn a single ignition into a large, long-burning wildfire, so outdoor users in New Hampshire should stay alert during drought periods. The Forest Service expects the fire to continue until significant precipitation arrives.
What happens next
A public meeting on the Wild River Fire will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Shelburne Town Hall.
Further reading
For more on regional conditions, see Severe Weather coverage across New Hampshire.
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