As a result of the mild winter and above average summer temperatures, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has, at the direction of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, recently instituted a statewide residential burn ban that will be in effect through October 10th.
Additionally, all previously issued burning permits have been suspended and there is now a moratorium on new permits through October.
Violators of the open burning regulation will be subject to both civil and criminal enforcement actions.
According to the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York has received only about 25 percent of the normal spring and early summer rainfall which, in addition to high winds, has caused wildfire danger across New York to be heightened.
“These conditions should not be taken lightly,” Governor Cuomo said.
“The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring.”
Because wildfires can start and spread easily and can be caused by a variety of issues, residents are encouraged to refrain from starting any type of outdoor fire.
They should also be watchful when grilling outdoors, use existing campfire rings and keep fires small when camping.
And they should remove all burnable material within a ten foot radius of the fire, and drown the fire with water making sure that all embers, coals, and sticks are wet.
