…annual residential brush burning prohibition in effect through May 14; spring burn ban reduces wildfire risks, protects lives and property
The state Department of Environmental Conservation reminds New Yorkers the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning runs March 16 through May 14. With warmer temperatures and lower humidity, the risk of fire increased across the state this week. The Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC’s website is updated with the latest fire conditions.
DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. 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 have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.
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. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit DEC’s FIREWISE New York webpage.
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.
Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the state’s open-burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 833.NYS.RANGERS (833-697-7264). To report environmental law violations, call 844.DEC.ECOs (844.332.3267).