Popular Fall Tradition Is BANNED In New York State

There is a popular fall tradition that has been banned in New York State. As the leaves start to drop and we start to pile them up, it is important to keep in mind the New York State law that makes it illegal to burn leaves at anytime of the year.

This has been a rather dry stretch of weather and portions of New York State are under an elevated fire risk. If you are camping or working outside, be aware that sparks could pose a fire threat to dry grasses and leaves around the area you are in.

The leaves will be dropping soon and according to some, they may fall faster due to the dry conditions we are having. That being said, it is time to pile them up and move them away! What is your method of choice to get rid of them? Do you mulch them? Do you pack them in backs or put them at the road for the town to collect? Or do you take another route and burn them?

According to a post from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, "It is illegal to burn leaves anywhere in New York State".

SEE THE FALL LEAF REPORT HERE

Remember when you were kid? It seemed like everyone burned leaves! It seemed like no matter where you went on the weekends, burning leaves and smoke filled the neighborhood! However, it is not the safest way to deal with them and might actually make a situation worse for you!

"The smoke can irritate anyone's lungs, but it is especially harmful to children, the elderly and anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular disease".