NYS's Burn Ban Set To Begin For Spring Season

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — New York’s annual statewide ban on residential brush burning begins Saturday.

The state Department of Environment Conservation has enforced the annual ban on burning brush since 2009 to help prevent wildland fires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

The burn ban continues through May 14.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said that New York is at a higher risk for wildfires, even as the nation is seeing record-breaking fires in Texas now.

Before the annual burn ban goes into effect, “we’re encouraging New Yorkers who burn woody debris to do it carefully,” he said, “don’t burn on windy days, and have water or equipment ready to extinguish it if needed. All fire must be attended until completely out.”

Because the winter season didn’t provide typical snow cover across much of the state, there is dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed where it is susceptible to the daily fluctuation of spring weather.

The DEC has advocated extra vigilance before the burn ban goes into effect, because forest rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in multiple counties. The fires were caused by debris burning with wind carrying the fire to grassy and wooded areas.

Since the ban was established, the DEC said, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by more than 42 percent, from 2,649 in 2009 to 1,521 in 2018.

Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions. Open burning of debris is the single largest cause of spring wildfire in the state.

When temperatures warm up 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.

In addition, local fire departments, many of whic are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.

The DEC updates its Fire Danger Map for the 2024 fire season at this website.

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 3 feet in height and 4 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. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit the 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 the 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 (ECOs) and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the 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 or reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).