By Boris,
New Yorkers have been put on alert that they are now officially under a statewide ban.
From plastic shopping bags to styrofoam containers to cellphones in schools, New York has a long tradition of prohibiting things that can have a harmful effect on its residents. While some argue that these bans infringe on personal liberties, there are some bans that everyone agrees are in our best interest.
New York’s Annual Ban Returns
New York’s annual spring burn ban officially went into effect on Monday, March 16, meaning residential brush burning is now prohibited across the Hudson Valley and the entire state until May 14.
Every spring, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation puts the ban in place to reduce the risk of wildfires as temperatures warm up and vegetation begins to dry out.
Last year’s extremely dry conditions caused the state to move up the ban by several weeks, but just because we’re still wet from all of that melted snow doesn’t mean there’s not a risk.
Even though it might not seem like peak fire season, officials say this time of year is actually one of the most dangerous. Leaves, twigs and debris left behind from the fall can dry out quickly. Add in some wind, and suddenly a small backyard fire can spread fast.
According to the DEC, open burning of debris is the leading cause of spring wildfires in New York State, which is why the annual restriction has been enforced since 2009.
What You Can’t Burn
During the burn ban, residents are not allowed to burn brush, sticks, branches or yard debris. That includes piles of leaves or other outdoor cleanup materials.
Burning garbage, treated wood, trash or tires is illegal year-round in New York, not just during the ban.
What’s Still Allowed
The ban doesn’t mean all fires are off limits. Some small outdoor fires are still permitted, including:
- Campfires
- Small cooking fires
- Backyard fire pits
Those fires must be less than three feet high and four feet wide and can only burn clean, untreated wood or charcoal.