CHENANGO COUNTY - Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith reminds county residents of the annual statewide ban on all open burning which is in effect in New York State during the high fire-risk period that begins today (March 16) and remains in effect until May 14.

The ban makes it illegal to use a burn barrel or open pits as a means for incinerating trash any time of the year, and the burning of leaves is also banned any time of the year in New York State.

While agricultural and controlled burns are allowed in some circumstances, with a written permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is required.

“With minimal snow melt this year, we will be in high risk of brush fires due to the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warmer temperatures, and wind,” said Beckwith.

On-site burning of limbs and branches is prohibited during the burn ban period of March 16 through May 14.

While On-site burning of limbs and branches between May 14 and the following March 15 in any town with a total population less than 20,000 is legal; however, individual municipalities often pass ordinances that are stricter than, and not inconsistent with, the open fires regulations.

“We want all Chenango County residents to be aware of how dry of conditions are out there, regardless of how much moisture is on the ground,” said Beckwith. “We’ve already had a few we've had to deal with as early as February 1 this year.”

Beckwith encourages residents to check with their local authorities to find out if local law requires a permit or prohibits open fires.

The New York State regulation restricts open burning.

“We encourage people to not ever burn garbage and to discard their debris at the landfill. Trash fires are especially dangerous and often times spread quickly and unexpectedly. If a fire does occur as a result of open burning and causes damage to other person’s property, the responsible person may be held liable for damages and even fined by the NYS DEC, costing people hundreds or even thousands of dollars,” said Beckwith.