The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.
With spring in the air, everyone is itching to get out into the yard and garden and clean things up. With the recent Pine Barrens Wildfire not too far back in the rearview mirror, be advised that stray sparks can cause massive damage to environmental resources and structures.
An innocent family s’mores night fire, caused structures and over 400 hundreds acres of the Pine Barrens to burn. State and local officials implore you to abide by the yard waste burn ban and be a part of the solution rather than the problem.
Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush-burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.
Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
“Prevention is best, and after a dry and windy winter season, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to protect themselves and their communities by complying with the State’s two-month burn ban that starts this Sunday, March 16,” Acting Commissioner Lefton said. “As the seasons change, melting snow leaves behind dead leaves and brush more likely to catch fire and put our communities and natural resources at risk.”
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. Residential brush fires are allowed in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but are prohibited in spring when most wildfires occur.
Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. Never leave fires unattended and always extinguish them when you leave.
Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention in homes and communities, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.