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DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Use Caution When Outdoor
Burning
Published: Press Release from NYS DEC
By: September 20, 2025 at
10:30 a.m.
DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Use Caution When Outdoor
Burning
Fire Danger Map Available
on DEC's website. View photos of Wildland Fires Caused by Campfires
Interview with DEC Forest Ranger Captain (video,
110MB)
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton
today urged all New Yorkers to exercise extra caution before any outdoor
burning. Current warm and dry conditions are causing an increased fire risk across
New York State, and DEC encourages people to put safety first, not leave
fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.
“Much of New York
is abnormally dry and fire risk is either high or moderate for the entire
state, so it's absolutely essential New Yorkers are mindful of the risk
when doing any kind of residential outdoor burning,” said
Commissioner Lefton. “Campers, hunters, and other outdoor
enthusiasts should avoid building campfires outside of established fire
rings or pits to not only keep themselves safe, but also our Forest Rangers
who respond to fires that start burning out of control.”
Daily fire danger
ratings may fluctuate based on weather, but the overall risk is elevated
beyond what is typical for this time of year. These conditions are
expected to continue through the month of September and may persist through
October. With the fall foliage and dry autumn season beginning, fire risk
will continue to be a concern.
Since Aug.1, DEC
Forest Rangers have responded to 53 fires burning nearly 26 acres of land.
Approximately half of those were caused by campfires that broke containment
or were not extinguished properly. People often think a fire has been
extinguished, but in dry conditions, hot embers burn into the ground where
they can smolder for days or even weeks before
being detected as a wildfire. To properly extinguish a campfire, pour
copious amounts of water on the fire, stir any remaining coals to mix the
water into the fire bed, and make sure the fire is cool to the touch before leaving it.
If you encounter
a wildfire in the forest, dial 911 to report the fire and be prepared to
give a location of the fire to first
responders. If you encounter unattended campfires on DEC lands,
contact Forest Ranger Dispatch at: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).
Wildfire
Prevention Tips
- Completely extinguish all
campfires. Fires should be doused with water and stirred to mix
ashes and water until ashes are cool enough to touch with the back of
your hand. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to
leave.
- Never discard ashes from campfires, charcoal
grills, woodstoves, or cigarettes on vegetation or the forest floor.
- Refrain from smoking in areas with flammable
vegetation or organic soils. Cigarette butts and ashes should
never be discarded in the forest regardless of location. If you
carry it in, carry it out!
- Do not drive off established road or park on top of vegetation. Hot
mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation that touches
them.
- When operating chainsaws, generators, and
other power equipment ensure it has a functioning muffler with spark arrestor. Have supplies (shovel, water, fire
extinguisher) to deal with a fire if one should start.
- Check local regulations for your intended
destination for any additional restrictions on fires.
- Make sure that all vegetation and flammable
material are far away from your fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Always be
careful with fire.
- And “Remember…Only You Can Prevent
Wildfires.”
Other available
DEC resources:
Campfire Safety
Open Burning
Fire Danger Map
Firewise NY
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