Statewide Burn Ban in Effect Until Oct. 15

by Contributor | October 5, 2025 8:50 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws advises county residents that a New York State burn ban is now in effect and runs through Wednesday, Oct. 15.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Oswego County has been elevated to a “high” fire danger risk due to continued dry conditions.

“With the increased fire risk and forecasted gusty winds and lower relative humidity, we ask that people avoid burning brush or debris as well as lighting uncontained, open fires,” said Laws. “Fires in open fields and grasslands will burn quickly and spread easily on windy days.”

The use of backyard fire pits and contained campfires are still allowed if they are less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter.

NYSDEC provides additional guidance on burning:

• Small, contained 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.

Burning garbage and loose leaves or leaf piles is prohibited year-round in New York State.

For more information about open burning regulations, go to the NYSDEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html[1]. Click this link[2] to view the current fire danger map.

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

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/public-notification/statewide-burn-ban-in-effect-until-oct-15-2/

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