The Department of Environmental Conservation Mar. 12, announced the statewide annual burn ban, beginning Mar. 16, and continuing through May 14. “While many people associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increases the risk for wildfires in New York,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “New York prohibits residential burning during the coming high-risk fire season to reduce wildfires and protect people, property, and natural resources. The ban has been extremely effective in reducing the number of wildfires, and we're encouraging New Yorkers to put safety first.” Even with snow on the ground, rising temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions. Wildfire conditions statewide are currently low risk. New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and to reduce air pollution. Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by nearly 43 percent. Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are permitted during the ban, but those fires should not be left unattended and must be extinguished. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. Read the full press release online at DEC [dot] NY [dot] gov.