BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Empire State officials are reminding people that with earlier than usual spring weather, the risk of fires is on the rise.
A state-wide burning ban goes into effect on March 16th and lasts for two months.
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation says conditions are heightened for wildland fires during that time and the ban helps prevent blazes from taking off.
Even before the ban goes into effect in two weeks, the department says to be careful burning and make sure to pick the right conditions.
“Sunny, windy days are not the best, because wind is really one of the driving factors that allows fires to escape. So if you can have an area cleared three feet around your fire and have some tools available, whether it be water, or even some hand tools in case there is an escape, you want to get on that as quick as possible,” said N.Y. Forest Ranger Timothy Carpenter.
Forest rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in multiple counties and say they are caused by debris burning getting out of control.
Since the ban was established, the 8-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6%.