While fall weather and colorful foliage make New York State especially beautiful, these same dry conditions increase the risk and potential for wildfires across the region.
After NYC saw the second driest summer in over two decades and 80% of New York was in a drought watch in September, the entire state is still combatting dry conditions and increased fire risks. Thus, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide burn ban. All New Yorkers are urged to conserve water whenever possible and refrain from starting most outdoor fires.
In a statement, Governor Hochul said:
The ongoing nice weather is great…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.
Forest rangers have already combatted 64 wildland fires across New York State since the beginning of August.
What is a burn ban?
A burn ban is a temporary restriction on certain types of outdoor fires set by government agencies like the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) during times of high risk.
When is the burn ban in effect?
The burn ban is in effect from October 2nd to October 15th, 2025. After the 14-day period, the situation will be reevaluated before it officially expires.
What is prohibited during a burn ban?
According to the Department of Energy Conservation, the following is banned:
- Starting outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal
- Uncontained fires, ie. campfires, open fires for cooking (backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are permitted)
- Burning refuse, trash, tires, and other solid wastes (including burning trash or other solid wastes in a burn barrel or similar device)
- Burning garbage, loose leaves or leaf piles
Who is at high risk of fire danger?
Residents in the following region are at high risk:
- Adirondack
- Adirondack High Peaks
- Lake Ontario Plains
- Southern Tier
- St. Lawrence
- Upper Hudson Champlain
Fire Danger Ratings have six levels. A high risk is the third level when fine dead fuels (think dry grass, small twigs, dead leaves, or pine needles) catch fire easily and can be ignited by most sources. Moreover, brush and campfires left unattended are likely to escape. Fires can become serious and difficult to control at this point, unless taken care of while still small.
The rest of the state remains at the moderate risk level.
Is New York still in a drought watch?
Yes, most of New York is in a drought watch, except Westchester County and New York City. Meanwhile, 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions have escalated to a drought warning.
How can I conserve water?
NYS advises New Yorkers to conserve water when possible. This can include:
- Watering lawns only when necessary, choosing watering methods that avoid waste, and watering in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration
- Reusing water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants;
- Raising lawn mower cutting height
- Using a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
- Fixing leaking pipes, hoses and faucets
- Washing only full loads of dishes and laundry
- Taking shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly
- Installing water saving plumbing fixtures
- Not running the tap to make water hot or cold
- Washing cars less frequently