A temporary New York state-wide burn ban was declared Thursday due to elevated fire risk from ongoing dry conditions.
The ban imposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul is in effect through Oct. 15, bringing prohibitions on outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal and all uncontained fires including campfires and open fires for cooking.
Most of the state including the Great Lakes Region, in which Niagara County is included, is under a drought watch presently, and the risk of fire is high, according to risk maps provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuel sources ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush fires and camp fires.
The high fire danger is due in part to gusty winds and lower relative humidities forecasted during the ongoing, prolonged dry spell. Rainfall totals for Western New York have been markedly below average since July.
“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Hochul said in a statement. “With the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”
Exempt from the burn ban are small, contained cooking fires, backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter.
Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York state, the governor’s office noted.
The 14-day burn ban is to be re-evaluated prior to expiration. Residents are encouraged to help protect water supplies by conserving water whenever possible.