New York State Burn Ban Takes Effect March 16

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding residents that New York's annual burn ban will take effect March 16 and remain in place through May 14. The seasonal burn ban prohibits the burning of brush and vegetation during a time of year when wildfire risk is significantly higher across the state.

Why it matters

Wildfires can cause serious damage to forests, homes, and personal property. They also create heavy smoke that contains pollutants such as particulate matter, which can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

The details

From March 16 through May 14, residents may not burn brush, limbs, branches, or yard debris. Burning trash, including garbage, plastics, tires, treated wood, painted wood, and household waste, is illegal statewide at all times. Burn barrels are also prohibited. Permitted fires include small campfires, cooking fires, or other outdoor fires that are less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter, as well as ceremonial or celebratory bonfires.

• The Brush Burning Ban Runs March 16 Through May 14.
• Before starting any type of outdoor fire, check the DEC's fire danger map to check whether conditions in your region indicate an elevated wildfire risk.

What’s next

For more information about what is allowed and prohibited during the New York burn ban, residents can visit the DEC's website or contact their local fire department.