Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a temporary statewide burn ban in New York, effective from October 2 to October 15, due to heightened fire risk and persistent dry conditions. The decision was made in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The ban will be reviewed before its scheduled expiration.
The order prohibits most outdoor fires, including those for brush and debris disposal as well as all uncontained fires such as campfires and open cooking fires. However, backyard fire pits and contained campfires smaller than three feet high and four feet wide or in diameter are still permitted. Small, contained cooking fires are also allowed. Burning garbage or leaves remains illegal year-round across the state.
Governor Hochul stated, “The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk. Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”
Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner, added: “New York State is fortunate to have some of the most qualified wildland firefighters in the country protecting our forests and communities. New Yorkers can help keep them and our resources safe by working to prevent fires in the first place. We fully support Governor Hochul’s decision to ban outdoor fires until conditions return to safer levels and continue to encourage New Yorkers to help conserve water so that we have an abundant supply for firefighting and other essential uses.”
Recent weather patterns have led several regions—including Southern Tier, Lake Ontario Plains, St. Lawrence, Adirondack High Peaks, and Upper Hudson Champlain—to experience “High” fire danger ratings. This means fine fuels ignite easily from unattended brush or campfires. Other areas remain at “Moderate” fire danger.
Since August, Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires throughout New York State.
In addition to announcing the burn ban, Governor Hochul noted the safe return of 14 wildland firefighters who assisted with wildfire response efforts in Idaho, Montana, and Washington under DEC leadership.
Twelve counties within Adirondack and Southern Tier regions are currently under drought warnings; most other areas remain under drought watches except for New York City and Westchester County. These advisories urge voluntary water conservation but do not impose mandatory restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor water use by watering lawns only when necessary—preferably early morning—and using methods that reduce waste such as rain barrels or dehumidifier runoff for plants. Other recommendations include raising lawn mower heights for healthier grass requiring less water; cleaning driveways with brooms instead of hoses; fixing leaks; washing full loads of laundry or dishes; taking shorter showers; installing efficient plumbing fixtures; not running taps unnecessarily; and reducing car washes.
Information about local drought preparedness can be found through each community’s Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR) accessible via their websites or on Know Your NY Water website.
Farmers are advised to monitor on-farm water supplies closely during these conditions while seeking guidance from county emergency management offices or local Soil & Water Conservation Districts if needed.
Ecosystems may also be affected by low stream flows impacting aquatic life health as well as increased potential for harmful algae blooms due partly to reduced precipitation combined with sunny weather patterns.
For more information about wildfire prevention measures or assistance with private wells impacted by drought conditions—including checking well status or adding storage tanks—residents can visit DEC’s Water Use & Conservation webpage.
