Did you know that ....

Since 2009, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring?   Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.  Starting March 16 and ending May 14 each year, New York State prohibits residential brush burning to protect our communities and our natural resources.   Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to New York's DEC's FIREWISE webpage, https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/42524.html