DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Use Caution When Outdoor Burning

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Interview with DEC Forest Ranger Captain (video, 110MB)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today urged all New Yorkers to exercise extra caution before any outdoor burning. Current warm and dry conditions are causing an increased fire risk across New York State, and DEC encourages people to put safety first, not leave fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.

"Much of New York is abnormally dry and fire risk is either high or moderate for the entire state, so it's absolutely essential New Yorkers are mindful of the risk when doing any kind of residential outdoor burning," said Commissioner Lefton. "Campers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts should avoid building campfires outside of established fire rings or pits to not only keep themselves safe, but also our Forest Rangers who respond to fires that start burning out of control."

Daily fire danger ratings may fluctuate based on weather, but the overall risk is elevated beyond what is typical for this time of year. These conditions are expected to continue through the month of September and may persist through October. With the fall foliage and dry autumn season beginning, fire risk will continue to be a concern.

Since Aug.1, DEC Forest Rangers have responded to 53 fires burning nearly 26 acres of land. Approximately half of those were caused by campfires that broke containment or were not extinguished properly. People often think a fire has been extinguished, but in dry conditions, hot embers burn into the ground where they can smolder for days or even weeks before being detected as a wildfire. To properly extinguish a campfire, pour copious amounts of water on the fire, stir any remaining coals to mix the water into the fire bed, and make sure the fire is cool to the touch before leaving it.

If you encounter a wildfire in the forest, dial 911 to report the fire and be prepared to give a location of the fire to first responders. If you encounter unattended campfires on DEC lands, contact Forest Ranger Dispatch at: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).

Wildfire Prevention Tips

• Completely extinguish all campfires. Fires should be doused with water and stirred to mix ashes and water until ashes are cool enough to touch with the back of your hand. Remember, if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
• Never discard ashes from campfires, charcoal grills, woodstoves, or cigarettes on vegetation or the forest floor.
• Refrain from smoking in areas with flammable vegetation or organic soils. Cigarette butts and ashes should never be discarded in the forest regardless of location. If you carry it in, carry it out!
• Do not drive off established road or park on top of vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation that touches them.
• When operating chainsaws, generators, and other power equipment ensure it has a functioning muffler with spark arrestor. Have supplies (shovel, water, fire extinguisher) to deal with a fire if one should start.
• Check local regulations for your intended destination for any additional restrictions on fires.
• Make sure that all vegetation and flammable material are far away from your fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Always be careful with fire.
• And "Remember…Only You Can Prevent Wildfires."

Other available DEC resources:

Campfire Safety

Open Burning

Fire Danger Map

Firewise NY