What Does The New York Burn Ban Mean For Bonfires Or Cooking Fires?

New York's statewide burn ban is underway - but does it apply to small, contained bonfires?

It's that time of year in New York. Fire danger is high as snow melts off, exposing dry leaves and brush. So once again, New York has its annual statewide burn ban in effect now until Wednesday, May 14th according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

What Does The Burn Ban Prohibit?

The NY DEC says the ban prohibits residential "...brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires." Warmer temperatures combined with dry brush can lead to the quick start and spread of wildfires. The DEC says open brush bruns are "...the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State."

While open burning of brush is prohibited in this timeframe, the NY DEC says having a fire in your backyard firepit, campfire, or cooking fire is still permitted under the following conditions:

• Fires must be less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter
• Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned

Like any fire at any time of year, always practice smart fire safety: Never leave your fire unattended, and properly extinguish any fire before leaving it.

You can learn more about the statewide burn ban on the NY DEC website.