|
DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush
Burning Prohibition Starts March 16
Published: March 04, 2024 at
08:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush
Burning Prohibition Starts March 16
Earlier Than Usual Spring Conditions Leading to More
Fires
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 help prevent wildland fires and protect communities during
heightened conditions for wildfires.
“While we’re
seeing record breaking fires in Texas right now, we’re also at a higher
risk here in New York,” Commissioner Seggos
said. "Before the annual burn ban goes into effect, we’re
encouraging New Yorkers who burn woody debris to do it carefully,
don't burn on windy days, and have water or equipment ready to extinguish
it if needed. All fires must be attended until completely out.”
This winter
season did not provide typical snow cover across much of New York State,
leaving dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed where it
is susceptible to the daily fluctuation of spring weather. DEC is
advocating extra vigilance before the burn ban goes into effect, as Forest
Rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in
multiple counties. These fires were caused by debris burning with wind
carrying the fire to grassy and wooded areas.
Since the ban was
established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased
by 42.6 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 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 2024 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,
visit 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).
|
