Governor Announces State-Wide Burn Ban Due to Dry Conditions

Due to an increase of fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a temporary state-wide burn ban, effective immediately. The ban will remain in effect for 14 days from yesterday, October 2nd to October 15th. Hochul says the ban will be reevaluated prior to its expiration if an extension is needed. The ban has been implemented due to dry conditions throughout the state.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

The burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking. According to the Governor’s Office, backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed and small, contained cooking fires.

Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.

The fire danger in New York State has risen due to the lack of rainfall with some areas facing a “high” fire danger risk. Those areas include the Southern Tier, Lake Ontario Plains, St. Lawrence, Adirondack, High Peaks and Upper Hudson Champlain areas.

The Governor’s Office says a high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires.

A Fire Danger Map from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation may be found HERE.