New York's Burn Ban Starts on March 16th

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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — The New York State DEC is reminding people of the state’s burn ban which will go into effect on March 16th.

The burn ban runs from March 16th through May 14th. It’s a time of year when it can be windy, the ground is often dry and can easily catch fire.

The DEC says during that time, bonfires, open fires, trash, or debris are not allowed due to the risk of starting a brush or field fire. However, there are exemptions for small cooking fires, bonfires, and campfires.

The DEC commissioner says small fires are permitted, as long as it’s done responsibly.

“You can do small campfires, you can do those backyard firepits, no more than four feet wide and there feet high, you can do cooking outside, but you can’t bring your debris outside and start burning it and please abide by that, said Basil Seggos, DEC commissioner. “You’re going to keep yourself safe, and your neighbors safe, you’ll keep your community safe and you’ll keep our first responders on their important jobs.”