The burn ban comes as wildfires burn in Ulster and Orange Counties.

During a press conference regarding the active wildfires in Ulster and Orange Counties, Governor Kathy Hochul announces a statewide outdoor burn ban in effect until November 30th.

This while the largest wildfire affecting New York State since 2008 burns.

“As we experience drought conditions and an increased fire risk across the State, now is not the right time to be burning outdoors, and I urge everyone to heed our warnings as we continue to take the necessary precautions to keep all New Yorkers safe,” says the Governor.

The two major fires burning in New York State are not fully contained yet, with the fire burning in the Town of Denning in Ulster County is 95% contained.  The larger fire, near Greenwood Lake in Orange County on the New York/New Jersey border, is only 10% contained.  Those fires are what contributed to the hazy and smoky conditions that hovered in the Capital Region on Sunday.

This as much of the northeast continues to see dry conditions with little relief in the near future.  Conditions are so dry, that the National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings for the Mid-Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier early this week.  

This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained 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 prohibited year-round in New York State and several municipalities have burn bans currently in effect.