TWIN TIERS (WETM) – In an effort to mitigate the risk of wildfires this spring, both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) have issued an open burn ban to begin in mid-March and end in mid-May.

Spring is almost here, which means drier conditions and an increased risk for wildfires due to dry conditions. Because of this, both New York State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have put statewide regulations into place to keep fire risks under control during wildfire-prone seasons.

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Unsure what burn ban regulations look like in your state? 18 News has broken down the burn ban regulations going into effect in both New York and Pennsylvania beginning in mid-March.

New York State Residential Brush Burn Ban

New York State’s annual spring residential brush burn ban will go into effect on March 16 and last until May 14. During this time, residents are prohibited from burning sticks, branches, leaves or brush.

Though brush is prohibited from being burned during this time, residents are allowed to utilize small cooking or campfires that are less than three feet high and four feet long. Additionally, these fires must be set using clean and untreated wood only.

Residents and visitors should note that local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information in place. Those who plan to burn are advised to check with local authorities beforehand to ensure safe burning.

For more information about open burning in New York State, visit the NYS DEC website.

Pennsylvania State Forest Lands Burn Ban

Pennsylvania’s annual spring state forest burn ban will go into effect on March 1 and last until May 25. For the duration of the ban, those visiting state forests are prohibited from burning brush, as well as starting campfires, when forest-fire danger is determined high, very high or extreme by the DCNR.

Residents and visitors should note that local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information in place. Those who plan to burn are advised to check with local authorities beforehand to ensure safe burning.

For more information about open burning in Pennsylvania, visit the Pa DCNR website.

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