Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, today announced a statewide burn ban in effect starting today, October 2 due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. The ban will be in effect for 14 days from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15 and will be revaluated prior to expiration. New Yorkers can help prevent fires in communities and in the backcountry by complying with the prohibition on most outdoor fires and protect water supplies by continuing to conserve water whenever possible.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

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.

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

Fire Danger
Recent dry conditions are resulting in a “High” fire danger for the Southern Tier, Lake Ontario Plains, St. Lawrence, Adirondack, High Peaks and Upper Hudson Champlain Fire Danger Rating Areas. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. The rest of the state remains in “Moderate” fire danger, which means fires can start from most accidental causes.

The current  fire danger map  is available on the DEC website.

The high fire danger is due in part to gusty winds and lower relative humidities forecasted during an existing prolonged dry spell. Any notable rainfall from last week was not areawide and while wind gusts are expected to calm down, dry conditions are expected to continue for at least another week.

Since the beginning of August, Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires across the state. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult unless attacked successfully while still small.

Out-of-State Assistance
Governor Kathy Hochul today also announced the safe return of 14 wildland firefighters led by DEC Forest Rangers after two-week assignments in Idaho, Montana and Washington. A 10-person crew made up from DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests and Forest Rangers assisted with firefighting efforts on East and Mire fires in northern Idaho. An additional Forest Ranger was assigned to the Rattlesnake fire in Inchelium, Washington and three Forest Rangers were assigned to the area of Helena, Montana.