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 begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has
enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect
communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.
"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."
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 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.
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. For search and rescue, reporting a
wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call
1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report environmental law
violations, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).
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