NYS DEC announces brush burning ban begins March 16 [Video]

The DEC started enforcing the two month ban beginning in 2009 in an effort to prevent wild fires and protect communities.

“While we’re seeing record breaking fires in Texas right now, we’re also at a higher risk here in New York,” commissioner Basil Seggos said in a release. “Before the annual burn ban goes into effect next month, we’re encouraging New Yorkers who burn woody debris to do it carefully, don’t burn on windy days, and have water or equipment ready to extinguish it if needed. All fires must be attended until completely out.”

May portions of New York State, including Western New York did not get a lot of snow this winter, which left dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed to the daily fluctuations of spring weather, according …