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DEC enforcing burn ban throughout St. Lawrence County March 16 through May 15

Posted 3/9/17

Brush burning will be banned from March 16 through May 15 in St. Lawrence County, according to the Department of Conservation. Violators of the state’s open burning regulation are subject to both …

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DEC enforcing burn ban throughout St. Lawrence County March 16 through May 15

Posted

Brush burning will be banned from March 16 through May 15 in St. Lawrence County, according to the Department of Conservation.

Violators of the state’s open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

Conservation officials are reminding residents that with warming temperatures and dry conditions, residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.

Due to the lack of snow cover over much of the state and with rising temperatures forecasted for the coming weeks, conditions for wildfires could be heightened.

Currently, fire conditions in most of the state are low risk.

Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

In the seven-year period since the ban was established, the average number of spring fires per year decreased by 35.5 percent, from 2,925 in 2009 to 1,886 in 2016.

Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed, but people should never leave such fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated “fire towns.” Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is designated a “fire town” or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html.