Fire Danger - Reminder of Burn Ban
- Access Compliance
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Fire danger is now HIGH or VERY HIGH for the majority of New York State. Please remember the annual statewide burn ban is in effect through May 14th.
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.
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 State.
To report a wildfire, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or contact a forest ranger in your area. When you plan a fire, always check for fire danger in your area on DEC's online map (updated every week). Also, local governments may have stricter rules than NYS; your fire department will have information about local burning laws.
When the risk is lower and you burn outdoors again, remember to:
🔥 Avoid burning on windy days.
🔥 Use existing campfire rings.
🔥 Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.
🔥 Keep campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter. Only charcoal or untreated wood can be used as fuel.
🔥 Be sure your match is out.
🔥 Never leave a campfire unattended.
🔥 Drown the fire with water.
🔥 Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.
Reminder: No fires above 4,000 feet in the Adirondacks, or at any elevation in the Eastern High Peaks Zone!
Shared from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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