Spring Burn Ban
Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush
burning will begin March 16 and run through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has
enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect
communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring.
"The start of spring in
New York comes with an increased risk of wildfires," Commissioner Seggos
said. "Starting March 16 and ending May 14, New
York State prohibits residential brush burning to protect our communities
and our natural resources. Since 2009, New York's burn ban has reduced
the number of wildfires in our communities and we're looking forward to
continuing that trend in 2022."
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. 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 will post the Fire
Danger Map for the 2022 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. Small cooking fires are allowed. 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. 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.
Forest Rangers, DEC
Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), 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. To report environmental law violations,
call 1-833-RANGERS, or report online on DEC's website.
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