NY State's annual ban on outdoor burning in effect through May 14

New York’s annual ban on the outdoor burning of residential brush began on March 16 and is in effect through May 14, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Fires in backyard pits are allowed, as are campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter. Small cooking fires also are allowed.

The brush-burning ban, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfires, has been enforced in New York state every spring since 2009.

Open burning is the greatest cause of wildfires in New York. Since the spring ban was implemented 14 years ago, wildfires in the state have decreased by more than 40%, according to the DEC.