DID YOU KNOW?!?! Open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in NYS. Since the spring burn ban was implemented in 2009, the number of wildfires has decreased by more than 40%. Open burning is prohibited in NYS, with several exceptions: - Campfires or any other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed. - Small cooking fires are allowed. - Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed. Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation. - Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned. - Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished. The New York State burn ban is effective March 16 through May 14. Additional information is available from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website attached to this article.
