Reminder: State-Wide Burn Ban Begins Today

New York’s burn ban is now in effect through May 14th. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says burning of brush is prohibited now through the 14th due to the increased risk of wildfires and/or brush fires. Conditions for wildfires are heightened during springtime due to dead vegetation.

The annual burn ban began back in 2009 and since, the amount of wildfires within the state has decreased by about 43%, the DEC says.

There are exceptions to the burn ban though. Those exceptions include: camp fires or any other outdoor fire less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, small cooking fires, and ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed (disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed).