State-wide burn ban in effect through Oct. 15 due to dry conditions, drought

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have issued a state-wide burn ban from today through Oct. 15 due to high fire danger from dry conditions.

The state usually has a burn ban from mid-March until mid-May. But the abnormally dry and drought conditions prompted the temporary burn ban. The ban will be in effect for 14 days and will be revaluated prior to expiration, Hochul said.

“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,” 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 statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking, the DEC said.

WHAT’S ALLOWED: Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are 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.

Orleans County is considered to be in a “High” fire risk level. “All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes,” the DEC said about this level of fire risk. “Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.”