As spring approaches, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is again reminding New York residents of heightened conditions that could lead to wildfires.

A statewide ban on residential brush burning begins Wednesday and runs through May 14. The annual two-month ban comes at a time when most wildfires occur, state DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release.

“While wildfires are more visible in the western part of the country, the start of spring brings an increased risk of wildfires right here in New York,” Seggos said. “In an effort to protect our communities and natural resources, New York prohibits residential burning for two months starting on March 16, when dry conditions are highest. Help DEC put safety first and continue to reduce the number of wildfires in New York’s communities by following the burn ban.”

The state DEC said open burning is the “largest single cause” of spring wildfires in New York. Wildfires can start when temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out. Such fires can spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation, the state DEC said.

In 2020, DEC forest rangers extinguished 192 wildfires that burned a total of more than 1,122 acres.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009. 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.

Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but residents should not leave fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.

LOCAL REMINDER

The Jamestown Fire Department this week issued a reminder to city residents that the burning of any garbage, refuse or rubbish is prohibited. That includes yard waste, said Rob Smith, city fire code inspector.

Recreational fires are illegal with the exception of a cooking fire, which is only allowed if charcoal or untreated wood is used inside an “appropriate container” at least 10 feet from a structure. Gas-fueled outdoor fireplaces are allowed.

Anyone with questions is asked to call the Jamestown Fire Department’s Office of Fire Prevention at 716-483-7597.