The Department of Environmental Conservation March 11, announced the annual statewide burn ban, beginning March 16, and continuing through May 14. “To protect our communities and natural resources, New York prohibits residential burning during the high-risk fire season to reduce the potential for wildfires. The burn ban has effectively reduced the number of wildfires over the last decade, and we're encouraging New Yorkers to put safety first,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. Even with snow on the ground in some parts of the state, rising temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions. Wildfire conditions are generally low risk throughout the state. Strict restrictions on open burning were first enacted in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and to reduce air pollution. Since then, 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.