What You Need To Know About New York’s Burn Ban

Guess what's back? It's that time again. The annual New York State Burn Ban is about to begin.

Regardless of whether it's still winter (for a few more days anyway), and snow continues to be in the forecast along with cold temperatures, conditions such as dried-out and dormant vegetation, and high spring debris-burning, mean it is a desirable condition for rapid, uncontrollable fire spread, among other reasons, dictate why New York State has this annual ban.

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The number one cause of fires in New York State is open burning. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, since the annual burn ban began in 2009, wildfires in the Empire State have been reduced by 40 percent.

The NYS DEC notes that the New York State Burn Ban will begin on March 16, 2026, and continue through May 14, 2026. What types of open fires are allowed, and what are not? Here's a sample of what the NYS DEC says:

Types Of Open Fires Not Allowed

• Burning of refuse (including in a burn barrel or similar device), trash, cardboard, tires, and other solid wastes, loose leaves, or leaf piles.
• Wood that is composite wood, pressure-treated, chemically-treated, painted, or stained.
• Burning large piles of brush collected from residents at a town or county transfer site.

Types Of Open Fires Allowed

• Campfires, small cooking fires, or any other outdoor fire less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter.
• Firepits with fire guards, and grills that are gas or propane fueled.
• Firewood that has been heat-treated or kiln-dried.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires, including the disposal of flags or religious items, unless it is prohibited by law or regulation.
• Downed tree limbs and branches less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. That includes branches with attached leaves, which are allowed to be burned on-site in towns with a population of less than 20,000 residents.
• Open fires to control the spread of invasive species are allowed with case-by-case approval from the NYS DEC, as well as open fires on agricultural lands.

If you observe a wildfire, report it in one of the following ways:

• Call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).
• Contact a NYS forest ranger in your area. Click HERE for the list of forest rangers throughout New York State.
• In Broome County, to report a fire or illegal burning, contact your local law enforcement agency or the Broome County Sheriff's Office at 607-778-1191.

For a complete list of dos and don'ts during the burn ban, visit the NYS DEC website.