DEC: Beautiful weather gets people outside, but increases risk of wildfires

Mother Nature has certainly been kind to us so far this summer with some very nice weather to enjoy. However, with that being said, the New York State DEC is strongly urging responsibility and caution for those building campfires amidst a rather dry spell.

As of Thursday, the DEC said in a news release that the majority of the state remains at a moderate or higher risk of wildfires, meaning that any sort of outdoor fire may spread quickly – especially with wind.

"The sunny, summer weather is giving people ample opportunity to enjoy New York's outdoors, but it's also increasing the risk for fires," Commissioner Seggos said.

"When building a campfire, please make sure to always keep an eye on it and pay attention to the wind. And when finished, make sure the fire is fully out and cold to the touch."

While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to:

• Use existing campfire rings where possible;
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
• Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

Fire safety tips for burning wood or brush:

• Never burn on a windy day;
• Check and obey all local laws and ordinances;
• Burn early in the morning when humidity is high and winds are low;
• Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the fire;
• Keep piles to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses;
• Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket, or other means to extinguish the fire close at hand; and
• When done, drown the fire with water, making sure all materials, embers, and coals are wet.

Do not burn household trash:

• Burning trash is prohibited statewide in all cases. Incinerator rules prohibit burning household trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers;
• DEC recommends recycling all appropriate materials (such as newspaper, paper, glass, and plastic) and composting organic kitchen and garden waste;
• Burning leaves is also banned in New York State. DEC encourages composting of leaves; and
• Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

Image courtesy via Woodgate Volunteer Fire Department.