Under new state regulations covering open burning, the burning of brush, twigs, branches, and traditional yard debris is prohibited between March 16 and May 14, said Schoharie County Fire Coordinator Matt Brisley.
Open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York, Mr. Brisley said.
To report an illegal open fire, call 1-800-947-7332.
Burning trash is now prohibited statewide in all cases, officials said. The DEC’s existing incinerator rule already prohibits burning household trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers.
The DEC recommends recycling of all appropriate materials such as newspapers, paper, glass and plastic and compost organic and garden waste.
The following are exceptions to the March 16 to May 14 prohibition:
• Barbecue grills, maple sugar arches and similar outdoor cooking devices when actually used for cooking or processing food.
• Small fires used for cooking and camp fires provided that only charcoal or untreated wood is used as fuel and the fire is not left unattended until extinguished.
• On-site burning of agricultural wastes as part of a valid agricultural operation on contiguous agricultural lands larger than five acres actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use, provided that the waste is actually grown or generated on those lands and the waste is capable of being fully burned within 24 hours.
• The use of liquid petroleum fueled smudge pots to prevent frost damage to crops.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires where not otherwise prohibited by law, provided that only untreated wood or other agricultural products are used as fuel and the fire is not left unattended until extinguished.
• Small fires that are used to dispose of a flag or religious item, and small fires or smoke producing process not otherwise prohibited by law that are used in connection with a religious ceremony.
• Burning on an emergency basis of explosives or other dangerous or contraband materials by police or other public safety organizations.
• Fire training, including firefighting, fire rescue, and fire/arson investigation training, performed under applicable rules and guidelines or the state’s office of fire prevention and control.
• Individual open fires as approved by the director of the division of air resources as may be required in response to an outbreak of a plant or animal disease upon request by the commissioner of the Department of Agricultural and Markets, or for the destruction of invasive plant and insect species.
•Individual open fires that are otherwise authorized under the environmental conservation law, or by rules or regulations of the department.