Siobhan [SHIV-on] Barton is reporting in the Register Star the state burn ban has been extended for an additional week due to dangerously dry conditions, according to statement released by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office, Wed., May 13. The original 90-day ban, which would have ended today (May 14), will now remain in effect through May 21. The ban prohibits the open burning of debris for residential areas with less than 20,000 residents. Lanesville Fire Chief Edwin Benjamin said the ban should be extended for an entire month. He described the current conditions on the mountaintop as volatile and dangerous. State emergency personnel have been fighting a 135-acra brush fire in the town of Hunter, near Lanesville, for a week. Benjamin said the fire was under control, with only some spot fires left to extinguish, as of Wednesday evening. Violation of the burn ban could result in criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense, according to state DEC officials. Read the full story in the Register Star.