NYS declares burn ban in wake of wildfires, dry conditions

ALBANY, N.Y. (WWTI) -- There's now a statewide burn ban in New York in the wake of the current wildfires in the Hudson Valley. Governor Kathy Hochul said the statewide burn ban is in effect until November 30 due to an increased fire risk as the state continues to experience drought conditions.

This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.

Currently, the fire has gotten a multi-agency response in Orange and Ulster counties. This is in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders. An aerial investigation revealed the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire, which is in both New York and New Jersey, encompasses 5,000 acres.

Half of the blaze is in New York, and is 10% contained in both states. The fire in the Town of Denning, Ulster County is 95% contained within 630 acres.

"As we experience drought conditions and an increased fire risk across the State, now is not the right time to be burning outdoors, and I urge everyone to heed our warnings as we continue to take the necessary precautions to keep all New Yorkers safe," said Hochul.

Recent dry conditions are resulting in a “High” fire danger for the Hudson Valley, Catskills, Long Island, Upper Hudson Valley/Champlain and St. Lawrence Fire Danger Rating Areas. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. The current fire danger map is available on the DEC website.