Hochul Issues Statewide Burn Ban as Fire Risk and Drought Persist

Gov. Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, announced a statewide burn ban Thursday due to increased fire risk and ongoing dry conditions. The ban is effective Oct. 2 through Oct. 15 and will be re-evaluated before expiration.

New Yorkers are urged to comply with the ban on most outdoor fires and 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,” 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 ban prohibits outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal, 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.

“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,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “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 is high in the Southern Tier, Lake Ontario Plains, St. Lawrence, Adirondack High Peaks, and Upper Hudson Champlain regions, meaning fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily. The rest of the state is at moderate fire danger.

Since the beginning of August, Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires statewide. Gusty winds and low humidity are forecasted, and dry conditions are expected to continue for at least another week.

Drought warnings are in effect for 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions. The rest of the state, except New York City and Westchester County, is under a drought watch. Officials encourage all residents, including those using private groundwater wells, to conserve water.

Water conservation measures include watering lawns only when necessary, reusing collected water for plants, raising lawn mower cutting heights, fixing leaks, washing only full loads of laundry and dishes, taking shorter showers, and reducing outdoor water use. Farmers are advised to monitor on-farm water supplies and coordinate with local agencies.

Drought conditions can affect ecosystems, including aquatic life and terrestrial plants and animals, and may contribute to harmful algae blooms.

For more information on fire danger, drought conditions, and water conservation, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Image: New York’s Fire Danger State Map for Thursday, October 2. (Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)