This Will be Banned in New York State Until May

As we get ready to head back outside after a bitterly cold and windy winter we might be tempted to make a fire to clean up all of the yard debris but unfortunately, that will not be possible.

New York State Burn Banned Now in Affect

Once again this year as in years past New York State will be enforcing a burn ban throughout New York as we head into Spring 2025. We ended 2024 with a staggering amount of wildfires burning in our area. The Jennings Creek Fire which burned for weeks is just one of the many fires that closed out the year.

What are the Dates for the 2025 New York State Burn Ban

The annual Burn Ban is enforced in the hopes of preventing any unnecessary fires and cutting down on pollution. This is a time of year when dry brush and debris are prevalent throughout New York making it easy for a fire to spread to unwanted areas. This year's Burn Ban will run from Now through May 14th, 2025. (update: March 10, 2025)

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As in years past there are a few types of fires that are not part of the ban, this includes small cooking fires, small campfires, and some ceremonial fires. If you are not aware of the burning rules in your community please check with your local fire department.

READ More: Fire Destroys Barn at New York Equestrian Center

Fires not allowed during the ban are fires where you are burning refuse, loose leaves, lawn debris, and any solid waste. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) offers a complete list at dec.ny.gov then search burn ban.

Each year, the NYS DEC enforces this ban to prevent unnecessary wildfires. The NYS DEC defines wildfires as unwanted or unplanned fires that burn through vegetation. A new tool that helps us understand the current wildfire risk is the Fire Danger Map which you are encouraged to check daily.