The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. 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 3 feet in height and 4 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.

“Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a release announcing the ban.

“That’s why we’re once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban,” she went on. “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.”

Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, the DEC says, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. 

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. 

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often must leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.

The DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website as a resource to view local conditions.