Burn bans in New York
New York State prohibits residential brush burning statewide from March 16 through May 14 each year. The rule has been in effect since 2009 under NYS DEC regulation. Fire Towns (in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks) prohibit open burning year-round without a DEC permit.
Statewide. Fire Towns prohibit open burning year-round without a permit.
All counties in New York
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Albany | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Allegany | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Bronx | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Broome | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Cattaraugus | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Cayuga | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Chautauqua | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Chemung | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Chenango | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Clinton | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Columbia | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Cortland | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Delaware | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Dutchess | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Erie | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Essex | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Franklin | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Fulton | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Genesee | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Greene | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Hamilton | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Herkimer | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Jefferson | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Kings | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Lewis | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Livingston | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Madison | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Monroe | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Montgomery | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Nassau | Partial Restrictions | — |
| New York | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Niagara | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Oneida | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Onondaga | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Ontario | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Orange | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Orleans | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Oswego | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Otsego | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Putnam | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Queens | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Rensselaer | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Richmond | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Rockland | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Saratoga | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Schenectady | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Schoharie | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Schuyler | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Seneca | Partial Restrictions | — |
| St. Lawrence | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Steuben | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Suffolk | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Sullivan | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Tioga | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Tompkins | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Ulster | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Warren | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Washington | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wayne | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Westchester | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Wyoming | Partial Restrictions | — |
| Yates | Partial Restrictions | — |
How New York decides
- Residential brush burning is prohibited statewide March 16 – May 14 every year.
- Household trash burning is prohibited year-round statewide.
- Campfires under 3 ft high and 4 ft wide, and small cooking fires, remain allowed if attended.
- Fire Towns require a DEC permit for any open burning at any time of year.
Penalties in New York
Illegal open burning can carry a fine of at least $500 for a first offense under NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Escaped fires increase liability substantially.
Classification: Violation of Environmental Conservation Law · Maximum fine: up to $500 (first offense), higher for repeat violations
Common questions about New York burn bans
Is there a burn ban in New York right now?
No county-level burn ban is currently reported by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for New York. The statewide DEC seasonal rule may still restrict burning during certain windows. Municipal rules within a county may still apply.
How does New York issue a burn ban?
New York State prohibits residential brush burning statewide from March 16 through May 14 each year. The rule has been in effect since 2009 under NYS DEC regulation. Fire Towns (in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks) prohibit open burning year-round without a DEC permit.
When is the New York burning restriction in effect?
March 16 through May 14. Today the rule is not in effect.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in New York?
Illegal open burning can carry a fine of at least $500 for a first offense under NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Escaped fires increase liability substantially.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When NYS Department of Environmental Conservation does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.