The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is warning New Yorker’s that with the summer, warm, and dry weather the risk of wildfires greatly increases.
“The sunny, summer weather is giving people ample opportunity to enjoy New York’s outdoors, but it’s also increasing the risk for fires,” Commissioner Seggos said. “When building a campfire, please make sure to always keep an eye on it and pay attention to the wind. And when finished, make sure the fire is fully out and cold to the touch.”
The DEC does state that a majority of the state remains at a moderate level for risk of fire. This means that any outdoor fire can spread quickly especially with wind.
Tips have been provided by the DEC for those camping in the state:
- Use existing campfire rings where possible
- Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire
- Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly
- Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.
