Pete DeMola is reporting for the Times Union New York's annual ban on residential brush burning will begin next week, on Wed., Mar.16, and continue through May 14. The spring comes with an increased risk of wildfires and open burning of debris is the single-greatest cause of wildfires statewide, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Each year, forest rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres, the DEC said. “In addition, local fire departments — many of which are staffed by volunteers — all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires,” the DEC said in a statement. The state has enforced the ban since 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. Read the full story in the Times Union.