Wild River Fire Prompts New Closure Order and Public Meeting Plan

Gorham, NH, November 4, 2026. A forest closure order is now in effect for the area around the Wild River Fire. This closure prohibits public entry and maintains safe access for firefighters and emergency personnel.

The Wild River Fire is located on the Androscoggin Ranger District in Coos County, New Hampshire. It is approximately 7 miles southeast of Gorham, and about 1 mile west of the New Hampshire-Maine border.  The order closes the entirety of Shelburne Trail and sections of High Water Trail and other trails, as well as the entirety of Wild River Road. The boundary of the forest closure is detailed within the order and map, which are available on the White Mountain National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/alerts/wild-river-fire-androscoggin-ranger-district

The Wild River Fire is currently 982 acres and is 11% contained. There are 89 personnel assigned to the fire. Two Type 2 helicopters, one Type 1 helicopter, and two unmanned aerial systems (drones) have been assigned to the fire. Additional resources are en route. This is a full suppression fire. The objective is to keep the fire in its current footprint and limit fire spread to the greatest extent possible.

The cause of the Wild River Fire is under investigation. It is believed to be human caused.  Visitors are reminded to always practice campfire safety. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure the fire is completely out. Smokey Bear says “drown, stir, drown again, and feel” to put out a campfire. There have been no recent prescribed fires on the White Mountain National Forest.

Community members are invited to attend a public meeting to receive the latest information on the Wild River Fire. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 5th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in person at the Shelburne Town Hall, which is located at 74 Village Road in Shelburne, New Hampshire, and online at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/278048261366254?p=eu2mTEqq60Wt7wFwBS

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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