Temporary burn ban in effect statewide through October 15

Due to the prolonged drought-like conditions across the state, and the increased risk for fires, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that a temporary burn ban is in effect across New York State from October 2 through October 15, 2025.

The statewide burn ban in effect “prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.”

Since the beginning of August, NYS Forest Rangers have responded to 64 wildland fires across the state. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult unless attacked successfully while still small.

In Ulster County last month, Forest Rangers responded to an unattended campfire in a remote area that spread in the Town of Shandanken, despite rain in the forecast. New York State Police Aviation was then called in to assist with bucket drops to extinguish the fire.

A drought watch remains in effect for the rest of the state except for New York City and Westchester County. View a map of New York State Drought Conditions on the DEC’s website.

New York State is encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

---

Ulster County to create Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Ulster County is creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A CWPP is a plan that prioritizes government and community identification of key wildfire risk areas and creates strategies to mitigate risk. Creating a CWPP will “guide county wildfire mitigation actions, reduce damage to homes and properties, potentially improve insurance eligibility or discounts, and increase grant funding eligibility.” The survey is 20 questions long and should take 5-10 minutes to complete: Fill Out the Survey

---

Advertisement:

---

---

---

Instead of flooding this page with ads, leave us a tip or shop our local makers if you liked this information.

---

---

---