DEC Urges Campfire Caution as Dry Conditions Elevate Fire Danger

NEW YORK STATE — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging people to use extreme caution with outdoor fires as dry weather elevates fire danger.

In an Oct. 30 release, DEC said much of the state is abnormally dry. Daily fire danger ratings may fluctuate with the weather, but conditions are more elevated than is typical for this time of year, and fire risk remains a concern during the fall foliage season.

DEC Forest Rangers have responded to multiple wildfires in recent weeks, including fires caused by unattended or improperly extinguished campfires. In dry conditions, hot embers can burn into the ground and smolder for days or weeks before a wildfire is detected, the agency said.

DEC discourages campers, hunters and other outdoor recreationists from having campfires outside established fire rings or pits that contain the flames. Anyone who has a campfire should keep it small and extinguish it completely by pouring plenty of water on it, stirring the remaining coals to mix water into the fire bed and making sure it is cool to the touch before leaving.

To report a wildfire in the forest, call 911 and be prepared to give first responders its location. Report unattended campfires on DEC lands to Forest Ranger Dispatch at 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).

Wildfire prevention tips

DEC offered these precautions:

• Completely extinguish campfires. Douse the fire with water and stir the ashes and water until the ashes are cool enough to touch with the back of your hand. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
• Never discard ashes from campfires, charcoal grills, woodstoves or cigarettes on vegetation or the forest floor.
• Refrain from smoking in areas with flammable vegetation or organic soils. Never discard cigarette butts or ashes in the forest. Carry out what you carry in.
• Do not drive off established roads or park on vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation they touch.
• Ensure chainsaws, generators and other power equipment have functioning mufflers with spark arrestors. Have a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher available in case a fire starts.
• Check local regulations at your destination for additional fire restrictions.
• Keep vegetation and other flammable material far from the fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and always use care with fire.

DEC also reminded the public: “Remember…Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”

Air quality

DEC also alerted the public to increased particulate matter in the air. Cool autumn nights can bring light winds and limited atmospheric mixing, allowing pollution from chimneys, traffic and industrial processes to build up, the agency said.

In its Oct. 30 release, DEC said brushfires in the Southern United States were bringing smoke into New York that week. Most of the smoke stays aloft and is less intense than smoke seen from western wildfires, but some fine particles settle, the agency said.

DEC resources

• Campfire safety
• Open burning
• Fire danger map
• Firewise New York information for homeowners
• Air Quality Index
• Air quality monitoring

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.