New York’s annual Spring Burn Ban will take effect March 16 through May 14

New York’s annual Spring Burn Ban will soon take effect for the next two months.

From March 16 through May 14, there will be a statewide ban on residential brush burning to reduce and help prevent the risk of wildfires spreading.

During the early spring months before the state is lush with green foliage, the DEC says the risk of wildfires is very high, due to dried out leaves and dead grass.

New York first enacted its spring burn ban in 2009 and authorities say the results show a successful reduction in springtime wildfires.

During the spring burn ban, New Yorkers are still allowed recreational camp and cooking fires, but they must be less than three feet in height and no more than four feet in length, width, or diameter and must be attended at all times.

The DEC reminds any sort of recreational camp or cooking fire must be completely extinguished.

As a reminder, burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.

NYS DEC image.