DEC: Annual burn ban in effect through May 14
NEW YORK >> The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding New York residents of the start of the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning. Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.
Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
Camp fires with family and friends are great fun! To make your next camp fire safer and healthier, remember to:
— check the fire danger map first to make sure it’s safe to have a fire where you are.
— avoid burning on windy days.
— keep your camp fire less than three feet high and less than four feet wide.
— keep flammable objects and debris at least three feet away from the fire.
— never burn trash, including paper products, plastic, glass, and metal like tin and aluminum cans.
— burn only local firewood.
— burn only dry, plain wood — no pressure-treated lumber or plywood, and no painted or stained wood.
— untreated wood, split tree logs, and branches are recommended for camp fires.
— using heat-treated/kilndried wood can prevent the spread of invasive species.
— never use fire accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline, or lighter fluid.
— stay out of the smoke. The fire and its warmth can be pleasant for everyone, but inhaling smoke is unhealthy for you and for your pets.
— keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave your fire unattended.
— when you’re finished with your fire, fully extinguish it. Stirring water or dirt into the remains of the fire can help.
For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/ firewise-new-york.
Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated as fire towns. Open burning is prohibited yearround in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC’s website.
Forest Rangers, DEC environmental conservation police officers and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State’s open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-697-7264. To report environmental law violations, call 1-844-332-3267.