New York officials enact temporary statewide burn ban amid increased fire risks, dry conditions

New York officials have enacted a temporary statewide burn ban that started Thursday amidst continued heightened wildfire risks and dry conditions.

The ban is valid through October 15, but authorities will be re-assessing the conditions then.

“New York State is fortunate to have some of the most qualified wildland firefighters in the country protecting our forests and communities," said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

"New Yorkers can help keep them and our resources safe by working to prevent fires in the first place. We fully support Governor Hochul’s decision to ban outdoor fires until conditions return to safer levels and continue to encourage New Yorkers to help conserve water so that we have an abundant supply for firefighting and other essential uses.”

As of Friday, October 3, there is a high wildfire risk across our local listening region, including Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida Counties. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires.

The statewide burn ban now in effect prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking.

Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.

Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.

Forest fire image by Woodgate Fire Department via 2022.