DEC burning ban in effect until May 14

NEW YORK STATE--All residents of the state of New York are reminded burning brush or debris is prohibited from March 16 through May 14 as ordered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.
Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.
During the seven-year period since the ban was established, the average number of spring fires per year decreased by 35.5 percent from 2,925 in 2009 to 1,886 in 2016.
Violators of the state's open burning regulations are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TTPP DEC (1-800-847-7332) or report on line at the DEC website, www.dec.ny.gov.