The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week as it cautioned vigilance since snow wasn’t heavy this winter.

Dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season is exposed and susceptible to the daily fluctuation of spring weather, the DEC said in a release, stating that forest rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in many counties.

“These fires were caused by debris burning with wind carrying the fire to grassy and wooded areas,” the release said.

“While we’re seeing record breaking fires in Texas right now, we’re also at a higher risk here in New York,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said in the release.

Before the ban goes into effect, he urged New Yorkers not to burn brush on windy days and to have water and equipment ready to put out the fire if need be. “All fires must be attended until completely out,” Seggos said.

Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6 percent, from 2,649 in 2009, to 1,521 in 2018.

The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur.

Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned.

Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York state.

Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions, said the DEC, adding that open burning of debris is the single largest cause of spring wildfires in the 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.

Each year, DEC rangers put out dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires, the release said.