Hunter, NY issues burn ban amid dry weather

HUNTER, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Hunter, Greene County is taking the DEC’s advisory against campfires a step further by issuing an outright burn ban, making it unlawful to light fires as dry weather conditions persist.

“It gives our staff and law enforcement the ability to ask people to extinguish those flames in the interest of public safety,” said Town Supervisor Sean Mahoney.

The crisp autumn air….perhaps too crisp? The lack of humidity and no rainfall makes the perfect recipe for brush fires. That’s why town supervisor Mahoney also issued a local state of emergency.

“People like to recreate here and they like to have their outdoor campfires but people are also burning brush" Mahoney added.

In nearby Akra, NY, a homeowner who declined an interview knows this all too well. She says fire from a neighbor's home accidentally spread to brush at the front of her property. The dry weather even dried up a stream there as well. Situations like this are what the supervisor wants to prevent

“We're doing this to be prudent and proactive, to protect our citizens, our homes, and our first responders" Mahoney continued.

Hunter's burn ban will remain in effect for the next five days, and possibly be extended if necessary.