DEC: Annual Spring Burn Ban runs March 16 – May 14

New York’s annual spring burn ban begins March 16 and lasts all the way through May 14.

This traditional reminder is from the Department of Environmental Conservation. “This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires,” Commissioner Seggos said.

“We're encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire."

Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State, the DEC says.

The spring burn ban serves as a safeguard to help prevent widespread wildfires while the snow melts away and the ground is potentially dry before green foliage develops.

New York first enacted these strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban.

Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

Image via the New York State DEC.