The CNY Burn Ban Has Been Lifted With Restrictions

The burn ban was lifted on May 14, but there are restrictions.

The NYS Burn Ban goes into effect annually from March 16 through May 14. While open burning is now allowed in CNY, the DEC says guidelines need to be followed.

• Campfires must be less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length.
• Small cooking fires are allowed.
• Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.
• Only charcoal or clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.
• Burning trash is prohibited statewide in all cases.
• Burning leaves is banned in New York State.

*Burning large piles of brush collected from residents at town or county transfer sites is prohibited. Landowners may burn their brush on site as discussed above with exceptions found HERE.

*Firewood must be untreated except kiln dried firewood which helps control invasive insect species if it is to be transported over 50 miles. Burning chemically treated wood such as pressure-treated lumber and plywood is prohibited.

Report reckless open burning, poachers, and polluters at 1-844-332-3267. Remember open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York.