Local fire coordinator weighs in on statewide burn ban
COLUMBIA COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A statewide ban against open burning goes into effect March 16. The annual ban comes as one local county just ended a five-day long state of emergency after multiple brush fires broke out.
Extremely dry, windy, and low humidity in New York have pushed several areas to be on high alert about the possibility of brush and wildfires erupting. In Columbia County, Fire Coordinator George Keeler said they were under a state of emergency from March 11 until March 16 after brush fires damaged outbuildings, which are sheds, storage units, and small farms on a homeowners property. Keeler said about 20 acres of land were burned.
"We're down rainfall, so we're into drought conditions," Keeler said. "There is high risk of wildland fires or brush fires and conditions, low humidity, dry weather, and high winds. That tends to lead to a pretty quick expansion of even small fires that you think you have under control."
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York State. Keeler said that there are ways to and things to keep in mind when wanting to start cleaning up your lawn by burning any brush, leaves, or trash.
"There is companies around that can come pick them up and dispose of them for you," Keeler said. "They can bag them up, and I know Columbia County has transfer stations where they accept lawn debris and leaves and brush like that. Or, they can wait a few more weeks until things green up and we get some moisture and conditions aren't so ripe for brush fires. So, a little common sense and a little patience."
The annual ban will remain in effect until May 14. However, there are some exceptions according to the NYSDEC. Open fires are allowed on farmland that is at least five acres wide. Campfires and small cooking fires are also allowed. Keeler does urge caution against starting any sort of fire.
"Have the means to be able to keep it under control and put it out," Keeler said. "When you're done with your fire, make sure it is out. Wet the ashes down. Don't just think it is burned down enough, and it's not going anywhere. Just to be sure, pour a five-gallon pail of water on it. Stir it up; make sure it's out."
For those who violate the ban, a minimum of $500 could be imposed. Keeler said repercussions are necessary.
"I think there needs to be some kind of penalty," Keeler said. "You're mobilizing a lot of resources to take care of something that got out of control."
For more detail about what is prohibited from burning, check with the NYSDEC webpage.
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