Weekend Wildfire In Putnam Prompts Reminder From NY Officials

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A wildfire over the holiday weekend in Patterson prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to remind New Yorkers Monday about the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning, which lasts through May 14.

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, forest rangers and firefighters 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 officials said.

On April 8 at 7:30 p.m., forest rangers responded to a wildland fire on a steep ridge near Stagecoach Road in Patterson. The fire was burning oak leaf litter and some dead standing oak trees.

Rangers and Patterson frefighters contained the fire to three acres. By 11 p.m., rangers put the fire in patrol status.

With warmer temperatures and lower humidity, the risk of fire increased across the state this week. SEE: Hot, Dry, Windy: Red Flag Warning In The Hudson Valley

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.

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.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

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).