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DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Statewide Residential Brush
Burning Prohibition Starts March 16th
Published: March 13, 2026 at
05:45 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Statewide Residential Brush
Burning Prohibition Starts March 16
Annual Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks,
Protects Lives and Property
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton
today announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush
burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC enforces
the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities
and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.
“Many of us are
looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the
warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” Commissioner
Lefton said. “That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers
to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with
fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as
well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.”
Even though some
areas of the state are damp or 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 must leave their jobs and families to
respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC continually
updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to
view local conditions.
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 3 feet in height and 4 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 in homes and communities, go
to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.
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