by Jay Lawson
With the start of spring and warmer temperatures expected, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds New Yorkers that residential brush burning in towns with less than 20,000 residents is prohibited in the state through May 14.
The burn ban is intended to lessen fire hazards.
“New York prohibits residential burning during the high-risk fire season to reduce the number of wildfires and protect people, property and natural resources,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said.
Wildfire risks increase with the milder temperatures that come with spring, Martens said.
The ban was first enacted in 2009. It has been very effective in reducing the number of wildfires, according to Martens.
“We want people to be aware that they need to put safety first,” he said.
Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in the state.
When temperatures are warmer and grasses and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and the lack of green vegetation.
New York’s open burning regulations allow residential brush fires in towns during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring months—March 16 through May 15—when most wildfires occur.
Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but people should never leave such fires unattended and must extinguish them, Martens said.
Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.
In the five-year period since the ban was enacted, the average number of spring fires per year decreased by 43.2 percent, from 3,297 in 2009 to 1,425 to 2014.
Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense, according to Martens.
Environmental law violations can be reported by calling 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or online at the DEC’s website.
Some towns—primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park—are designated “fire towns.”
Open burning is prohibited year-round in “fire town” municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from DEC.
The Town of Webb is among the “fire towns” in Herkimer County.
The Town of Inlet is also a “fire town,” along with all municipalities in Hamilton County.
Town of Webb open burning permits can be obtained from the DEC Region 6 office in Utica by calling (315) 793-2554.
Hamilton County permits can be obtained from the DEC Region 5 office in Ray Brook at (518) 897-1234.