03/16/2026
π₯ New York State Spring Burn Ban Reminder (March 16 β May 14) π₯
A reminder to our neighbors that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) annual Spring Burn Ban runs March 16 through May 14 across the entire state.
This restriction exists each year to reduce the risk of wildfires during the dry spring season.
π« What is Prohibited During the Burn Ban
All open burning is prohibited during this period, including:
β’ Burning brush or tree limbs
β’ Burning leaves
β’ Burning household trash or debris
β’ Burning construction or demolition material
Burning trash releases dangerous compounds such as arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, hydrogen cyanide, and dioxins, and is illegal in New York State at all times.
Burning leaves is also prohibited year-round in New York State. The DEC encourages composting of fall leaves.
π₯ What is Allowed
The following limited fires are still permitted:
β’ Campfires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet wide
β’ Small cooking fires
β’ Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires
Requirements:
β’ Fires cannot be left unattended
β’ Fires must be fully extinguished when finished
β’ Only charcoal or clean, untreated, unpainted wood may be burned
A fire pit is considered a recreational campfire and must follow the same size restrictions.
π² Brush Burning Outside the Ban
In towns with a population under 20,000, residents may burn tree limbs (brush) outside the burn ban if the limbs are:
β’ Less than 6 inches in diameter
β’ Less than 8 feet in length
However, this is NOT allowed from March 16 β May 14.
π Local Town Restrictions
The Town of Monroe (population over 21,000) has a year-round ban on burning brush, meaning tree limbs cannot be burned at any time.
Other nearby towns with populations over 20,000 and similar restrictions include:
β’ Town of Warwick
β’ Town of Palm Tree
Nearby towns under 20,000 population may allow limited brush burning outside the burn ban, including:
β’ Town of Chester
β’ Town of Woodbury
β’ Town of Tuxedo
β’ Town of Blooming Grove
π Village Restrictions
If you live in a village, open burning is generally prohibited year-round.
In the Village of Monroe, burning leaves, garbage, construction debris, or tree limbs is NEVER permitted.
π Reporting Illegal Burning
If you suspect illegal burning, contact your local Police Department or the New York State Police.
Environmental violations may also be reported to DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs):
π 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267)
Please remember: our volunteer fire departments respond to 911 emergencies only, so ensure it is an actual emergency before calling.
β οΈ Fire Safety Reminders
If you are conducting a legal recreational fire:
β’ Do not burn on windy days
β’ Never leave a fire unattended
β’ Fully extinguish the fire before leaving
Please stay safe and be respectful of your neighbors.
π Our local volunteer fire departments are always looking for new members.
Stop by your local firehouse and complete an application β they need you!