As March Winds Blow, DEC Reminds Of Residential Burn Ban

STONY BROOK, NY — With March's windy weather in full swing, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation has once again instituted a statewide ban of residential brush burning through May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.

Commissioner Amanda Lefton noted that many "are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk."

“That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban," she said. "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.”

Despite some areas are damp or blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise.

The open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in the 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, and local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.

The DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to view local conditions.

The strict restrictions were first enacted 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 in homes and communities, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.