Statewide Burn Ban Issued Through November 30 Due to Increased
Fire Risk
Published: November 12, 2024
at 03:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Governor Hochul’s Office
Excerpt from a press
release from Governor Hochul’s office today updating the wildfires
impacting New York state and announcing a statewide burn ban in effect
through November 30:
New York State
has implemented a statewide burn ban in effect until November 30 due to
increased fire risk. This burn ban prohibits the starting
of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as
well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard
fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four
feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained
cooking fires.
Recent dry
conditions are resulting in a “High” fire danger for the Hudson Valley,
Catskills, Long Island, Upper Hudson Valley/Champlain and St. Lawrence Fire
Danger Rating Areas. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite
readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush
and campfires. The current fire
danger map is available on the DEC website. The northern regions
were elevated today due the expected gusty winds
and lower relative humidities forecasted during the existing prolonged dry
spell. Any notable rainfall from the weekend was not areawide. While the
winds are expected to calm down after today, dry conditions are expected to
continue until the next weather system is expected to arrive later this
week.
Fires may become
serious and controlling them difficult unless
attacked successfully while still small. Burning garbage or leaves is
prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have
burn bans currently in effect.
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