Chautauqua County Fire Coordinator Noel Guttman reminds county residents about the annual New York State burn ban on all open burning. It began on Thursday, March 16 and remains in effect through Sunday, May 14.
“With spring around the corner, we are at an increased risk of brush fires due to the lack of green vegetation, the abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves and the warmer temperatures and wind,” said Fire Coordinator Guttman.
Open burning is prohibited in New York State – with some exceptions from March 16 through May 14.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provides the following guidance on those exceptions:
- Campfires or 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 local law or regulation.
- Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
- Fires cannot be left unattended, must have a water supply available and must be fully extinguished.
In towns with a total population less than 20,000, you may burn tree limbs with attached leaves (also referred to as brush). The limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. Burning loose leaves or leaf piles is illegal, according to the NYSDEC. (https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/46613.html)
For more information about open burning regulations, go to the NYSDEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html.
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