New York Bans Brush Burning Starting March 16

DEC reminds residents of annual spring fire risk and need for caution

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding residents of the statewide ban on residential brush burning from March 16 to May 14. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the importance of the ban, citing increased fire risks with warming temperatures and the need to protect communities, natural resources, and firefighters.

Why it matters

Open burning of debris is the leading cause of spring wildfires in New York, which can spread quickly as temperatures rise and dry debris ignites. DEC Forest Rangers and local volunteer fire departments often respond to these fires, impacting hundreds of acres and pulling first responders away from their regular duties.

The details

Since 2009, New York has restricted open burning to prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow small fires for cooking and recreation but prohibit burning garbage or leaves year-round. DEC says they extinguish dozens of wildfires annually due to the brush burning.

  • The brush burning ban starts on March 16, 2026 and runs through May 14, 2026.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The state agency responsible for enforcing the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities.

Amanda Lefton

The DEC Commissioner who emphasized the importance of the brush burning ban and the need for caution as temperatures rise.

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What they’re saying

“The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state.”

— Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner

The takeaway

New Yorkers should be mindful of the annual brush burning ban from mid-March through mid-May, as open fires can quickly spread into dangerous wildfires that put communities, natural resources, and first responders at risk during the dry spring season.