Wildfires, Dry Conditions Spark State-Wide Burn Ban In New York

LONG ISLAND, NY — A state-wide burn ban in effect until Nov. 30 due to dry conditions and recent wildfires has been announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services said in a Facebook post that outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal, un-contained campfires, recreational fires, and open fires used for cooking are all prohibited.

Backyard fire pits and campfires that are contained and smaller than three feet in height and four feet in width, length, or diameter, as well as small, contained cooking fires are allowed, according to the agency.

There is still a red flag warning in effect because conditions are extremely dry, and the risk of wildfires is high, the agency said.

The agency is advising that residents stay vigilant and follow all safety guidelines to protect their communities.

A critical weather conditions warning was in effect on Tuesday due to dry conditions, coupled with gusty winds, across Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.

The New York region has seen a spike in brush fires amid the lack of significant rainfall recently.

This past weekend, firefighters responded to a 14-alarm blaze that was moving quickly toward houses in Medford before it was doused by multiple fire departments.

Another large fire also broke out in Baiting Hollow.

A series of at least three fires are being investigated by Suffolk Arson Squad detectives.

A volunteer firefighter has been arrested in connection with another wildfire in Medford.

The largest fire to date has been dubbed the Jennings Creek Wildfire on the border of New York and New Jersey.

An 18-year-old forest ranger was killed in the efforts to knock the fire down on Saturday.