A statewide burn ban aimed at preventing wildfires and brush fires takes effect March 16 across New York, a precaution officials say is necessary as dry spring conditions increase the risk of fires spreading quickly.
The ban runs through May 14 and prohibits most outdoor burning during a period when dead vegetation left over from fall can easily ignite.
John Hauschild, Sullivan County’s fire coordinator, said early spring often creates ideal conditions for brush fires despite lingering snow or damp ground.
“Every spring the weather turns warm and sunny, and the vegetation that’s there from the fall is dry and dead,” Hauschild said. “It’s easily ignitable from campfires, cigarettes, or people trying to clean their yards.”
That dry surface vegetation can catch fire quickly and spread rapidly, even when the ground beneath it appears wet.
“We’ve already had two brush fires this week in Sullivan County,” Hauschild said. “Orange County has been running brush fires already as well. It may look like there’s snow out there and that conditions aren’t favorable, but they are.”
The burn ban is intended to reduce the number of fires that firefighters must respond to during this high-risk period. Officials say the measure helps protect residents, emergency responders, and property across the region.
“It’s a very important tool to help our communities stay safe and help our firefighters stay safe,” Hauschild said.
Local fire departments have already begun preparing for the season. Hauschild said fire chiefs across Sullivan County recently met to discuss readiness and ensure equipment is prepared for potential wildland fires.
“We just had all our battalion chief meetings and it was discussed,” Hauschild said. “Everybody’s got their brush gear ready, their UTVs ready. They’re getting ready for the season.”
In addition, about 30 firefighters recently completed a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wildland fire suppression course, designed to help responders better control brush fires when they occur.
Authorities are also urging residents to report any fires or potential violations of the burn ban.
“If somebody sees smoke or someone burning during the burn ban, they usually call 911,” Hauschild said. “The dispatcher can send a fire department or a chief to investigate where the smoke is coming from.”
While most outdoor burning is prohibited during the ban, some limited exceptions remain, including certain small campfires or religious ceremonies. Officials advise residents to check the DEC website for specific guidelines and safety rules.
Even in those cases, Hauschild urged caution.
“If the conditions are extremely dry, I highly recommend that people don’t burn,” he said. “It could put their homes, their families, firefighters and everybody at danger.”
As temperatures warm and residents begin spring yard work, officials hope the public will take the seasonal restrictions seriously.
“We want everybody to enjoy the spring after a long winter,” Hauschild said. “But be very cautious and mindful of the conditions around you.”
Photo: by davemantel from Getty Images