ALBANY—The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16, and runs through May 14, according to a press release from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos.
With spring approaching, DEC reminds residents that conditions for wildfires are heightened in springtime when most wildfires occur.
“While wildfires are more visible in the western part of the country, the start of spring brings an increased risk of wildfires right here in New York. In an effort to protect our communities and natural resources, New York prohibits residential burning for two months starting on March 16, when dry conditions are highest. Help DEC put safety first and continue to reduce the number of wildfires in New York’s communities by following the burn ban,” Commissioner Seggos said in the release.
Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC will post a Fire Danger Map rating for the 2021 fire season on DEC’s website (www.dec.ny.gov) once there is a moderate risk anywhere in the state.
Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. In 2020, DEC Forest Rangers extinguished 192 wildfires that burned a total of more than 1,122 acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are volunteer, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.
Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC’s FIREWISE New York website.