Statewide Burn Ban Begins March 16

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws reminds residents that the annual New York State burn ban begins on Sunday, March 16 and runs through Wednesday, May 14.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in the state. The spring season brings increased risk of fires due to drought conditions, dry vegetation, warmer temperatures, low humidity and high winds.

“Once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly,” said Laws. “This past weekend, what started as brush fires on Long Island quickly turned into four destructive wildfires due to high winds, which burned more than 600 acres. We saw a similar situation during last year’s wildfires in Orange County that consumed forests and threatened neighborhoods.

“It’s important that residents abide by the burn ban to help prevent wildfires,” Laws continued. “Given the high number of roof and building collapses we’ve experienced this winter, we want to remind residents cleaning up their properties that they should never burn debris, as it can be toxic and may pose further risk of wildfire.”

Information on safely removing debris can be found on Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website at https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/private-property-debris-removal.

Open burning is prohibited in New York State, with some exceptions, outside of the burn ban as well. NYSDEC provides the following guidance on those exceptions:

• Campfires or other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
• Small cooking fires are allowed.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.
• Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by local law or regulation.
• Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
• Fires cannot be left unattended, must have a water supply available and must be fully extinguished.

In towns with a total population of less than 20,000, you may burn tree limbs with attached leaves (also referred to as brush). The limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. Burning loose leaves or leaf piles is illegal, according to NYSDEC. (https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/46613.html)

Fire Coordinator Laws encourages residents to check with their local authorities to find out if local law requires a permit for open fires.

Violators of state open burning regulations are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

For more information about open burning regulations, go to the NYSDEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html.

To report open burning and other environmental law violations call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).

Print this entry