DEC reminds New Yorkers of statewide residential brush burning prohibition

Annual spring burn ban reduces wildfire risks, protects lives & property

Submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced 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,” 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. 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. 

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