Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a temporary statewide burn ban due to growing wildfire risk fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds.
The ban, which began Thursday and runs through Oct. 15, prohibits most outdoor fires, including brush burning, uncontained campfires and open cooking fires. Contained backyard fire pits and small cooking fires are still allowed, but garbage and leaf burning remain banned year-round.
“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends,” Hochul said in a statement. “But it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk.”
According to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, fire danger is currently rated as “high” in several regions, including the Southern Tier, Adirondacks and Lake Ontario Plains. The rest of the state is experiencing moderate risk, but conditions are expected to stay dry for at least another week.
The move comes as New York recovers from a record-breaking fire season last year, when a severe dry spell sparked hundreds of brush fires, including in New York City parks. In May, the City Council passed a bill requiring parks officials to draft a wildfire prevention plan in coordination with the FDNY.
Earlier this year, fires on Long Island prompted Hochul to expand a regional burn ban and mobilize emergency crews. This time, she’s urging all New Yorkers to help prevent wildfires and conserve water as parts of the state remain under drought warnings or watches.
Since August, state forest rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires. Officials said many could have been avoided if outdoor burning rules had been followed.
