Western New York’s Outdoor Burn Ban Going In To Effect

The weather is starting to change and the longer days are making a return. With that, comes the annual ban on outdoor burning in New York state.

The snow is pretty much melted off and gone in the towns north of Buffalo. There is still quite a bit of snow left over from the lake effect bands that passed over the areas south and east of Buffalo. However, the ban will be in effect for the entire region.

According to the New York State Department of Conservation, starting the week of March 15th and running until May, Open burning is prohibited in New York, with several exceptions:

Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
Small cooking fires are allowed.
Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.
Only charcoal or clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.

In the spring in our area, the brush and areas around it are very dry and wildfires can spread very quickly.

It is that time of the year when you may want to start doing a spring cleanup. Many towns and villages do offer a brush collection and chipping for their residents. Make sure that you follow the guidelines that your town has for how to place them at the street. Many times there are diameter restrictions for the brush.

It was a windy and cold winter and branches and trees may be scattered around the yard. If you plan on burning them, you may want to hold off until later in the spring or summer.