Fire Danger Listed as “Moderate” by State DEC

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has listed several counties in our area as having a “Moderate” fire danger. They include Cortland, Tompkins, Tioga, Broome, Southern Cayuga, and Southern Onondaga Counties. The categorization comes after continuous dry weather; rain is not in the forecast for the Cortland area until late next week, possibly.

Under a Moderate fire danger, the DEC says, fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. They add timber fires can spread slowly to moderately fast. 

“The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy.”

According to the DEC.

The DEC provides an updated map of fire risk for the state online. You can view this information HERE.