Warren County Emergency Services reminds residents of spring burn ban
Warren County Office of Emergency Services is advising Warren County residents that New York State’s annual spring “burn ban” is in effect from Wednesday, March 16 until Saturday, May 14.
The ban is put in place each year to lessen the chance of wildfires, as dry brush that is susceptible to fire is exposed with the melting of snow at the end of winter. Since the annual springtime ban was implemented in 2009, New York State has experienced 40% fewer wildfires annually.
Still, DEC Forest Ranger had to extinguish 192 wildfires that burned 1,122 acres in 2020, in addition to fires that local firefighters battled.
“Burning of materials outside during early spring conditions presents a higher risk for loss of control of the fire,” explained Warren County Fire Coordinator Ralph Bartlett. “With lower humidity levels, higher wind conditions, and dry fuel load from the fall and winter, fire can spread rapidly and endanger people, structures, and the responding firefighters. Please help to keep our communities safe by adhering to the requirements of the New York State burn ban.”
The New York State regulation bans “open fires” and burning in barrels. An “open fire” is any outdoor fire that emits smoke directly into the air.
Burning is prohibited in towns with more than 20,000 residents, as well as all villages and cities. Smoke contains particulates, known as soot, and gases, such as carbon monoxide, that are hazardous to health.
Exceptions to the statewide ban include:
• outdoor cooking devices, when used to cook food.
• small cooking or camp fires using untreated wood or charcoal.
• small fires used to dispose of a flag or religious item or for a religious ceremony, where permitted.
Warren County Office of Emergency Services asks that residents follow New York State DEC guidelines for campfire safety, detailed here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/106319.html.
Even when the burn ban is not in effect, it is illegal to burn household garbage and leaves under New York State law, as denoted here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32064.html.
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