ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — New York State’s annual brush burning ban will go into effect next week, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The ban will begin on March 16 and continue through May 14.
The ban, which is put in place due to the increased risk of wildfires at this time of the year, includes the burning of any downed tree limbs and branches. Campfires, barbecue grills and outdoor fires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are still allowed.
According to the DEC, open burning is one of the most common causes of wildfires. Anyone who violates the state’s open burning regulations will be subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, as well as a minimum fine of $500 on first offense.
The beginning of this year’s annual burning ban closely follows four separate brush fires that erupted in Long Island on Saturday. Three of the blazes have been extinguished as of Sunday afternoon, but fire danger remains high for both Long Island and the Hudson Valley through at least Monday, according to the DEC.
To report an illegal open fire, you can contact a DEC dispatcher by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). To report a wildlife, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or reach out to a forest ranger in your area.
Read the latest from NEWS10:
- Annual NYS brush burning ban to begin next week
- Myles Garrett becomes highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history
- Influencers have trouble figuring out their tax obligations, here’s why
- ‘Bloody Sunday’ 60th anniversary marked in Selma with remembrances, concerns
- Why these 2 states didn’t ‘spring forward’ to daylight saving time this morning
NEWS10 is the Capital Region’s local news leader!