Wildfire Safety

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush Burning Prohibition is in effect

Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

The weather has been warm and it’s a great time to get outside. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminds residents, however, that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began March 16 and runs through May 14. Currently, the DEC Fire Danger Map has the entire state of New York in the moderate to high risk zones.

“This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring,” Commissioner Seggos said. ” This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires. We’re encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire.”

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. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC posts the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC’s website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated “fire towns.”

Open burning is prohibited year-round 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.

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