Wild River Fire Grows to 1,000 Acres Near Gorham

Gorham, N.H. — November 4, 2026 — Firefighters and forestry personnel continued working to contain the Wild River Fire in the White Mountain National Forest after the wildfire grew to approximately 1,000 acres near Gorham.

The fire was first reported Sunday afternoon, November 1, at approximately 1 p.m. The U.S. Forest Service responded to the remote area in Coos County, about seven miles southeast of Gorham and roughly one mile west of the New Hampshire-Maine border.

As of Wednesday, November 4, the fire was estimated at 1,000 acres and 11% contained. More than 50 personnel and two helicopters were assigned to the incident, with additional suppression resources on the way.

The fire is burning through dry leaf litter, timber and standing dead trees in steep, rugged terrain. Drought conditions have contributed to fire activity, allowing the flames to continue spreading during overnight hours. Firefighters have been building fire lines by removing vegetation where conditions allow, while using streams and other natural features to help establish control lines.

Helicopters have been making water drops in areas that are difficult for ground crews to reach. Fire personnel are also using aerial resources for reconnaissance and suppression operations.

A subsequent update from November 5 reported that improved mapping revised the estimated fire area to approximately 856 acres. New Hampshire Public Radio reported that about 89 Forest Service personnel and three helicopters were assigned to the operation, with containment still reported at 11% in that update. The acreage revision reflected updated mapping and did not mean the fire had been fully extinguished.

The U.S. Forest Service is leading the suppression effort, with support from state and local partners. Maine Forest Rangers also provided assistance, including several rangers and a helicopter. Gorham Fire Chief Philip Cloutier said the local department had not been asked to assist, but crews remained on standby with forestry equipment, portable pumps and backpack pumps available if needed. Officials reported no immediate threat to structures or significant threat to life and property. However, smoke may be visible in nearby communities. A forest closure was put in place to keep the public out of the fire area and preserve access for emergency personnel. The closure includes all of Shelburne Trail, Wild River Road and sections of High Water Trail and other trails. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Forest Service officials said the fire is believed to have been caused by human activity, but no final determination has been announced.

The Forest Service has asked the public to avoid the closed area, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles and never fly unauthorized drones near the fire. Motorists who encounter smoke should slow down and turn on their headlights.

The Wild River Fire response is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from state and regional partners. No municipal department has been identified as the first-arriving agency. The Forest Service was the initial responding agency, and Gorham Fire & EMS remained available to assist if requested.