DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Statewide Residential Brush Burning Prohibition Starts March 16

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Statewide Residential Brush Burning Prohibition Starts March 16
Annual Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders during heightened conditions for wildfires.
"Many of us are looking forward to spring weather after a very cold winter, but with the warming temperatures comes increased fire risk,"?Commissioner Lefton said.?"That's why we're once again asking all New Yorkers to abide by the two-month-long burn ban. The more careful you are with fire, the better we can protect our communities and natural resources as well as our Forest Rangers and firefighters across the state."
Even though some areas of the state are damp or remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise.
Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.
Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often?must?leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC continually updates a Fire Danger Map on DEC's website?as a resource to view local conditions.
New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.
For more information about fire safety and prevention in homes and communities, go to DEC's?FIREWISE New York?webpage.
View photos from the press event.
Videos of the press event are also available.
https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases

 

Town Board Meeting Monday, March 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Monroe Town Hall 1465 Orange Tpke., Monroe)

Please click here to view the Agenda.

Lakeside Ladies Trivia Night

Lakeside Ladies Trivia Night

2026 Hazardous Waste & Safe Scripts Collection Event

2026 Hazardous Waste & Safe Scripts Collection Event

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Town Hall Closing Early March 3rd Due to the Inclement Weather

Town Hall will be closing at 11:00 AM today, March 3rd due to the impending inclement weather. Town offices will reopen at 8:00 AM tomorrow morning. 

The Sr. Center will be closing today at 11:00 AM. Additionally, there will be no afternoon service for Dial-A-Ride.

Thank you for your understanding. Stay safe.

Court Cancelled Tonight March 3, 2026

COURT SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT TUESDAY, MARCH 3^RD AT 5:00 PM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER.
YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL OF A NEW DATE.

THANK YOU.

2026 Clean Sweep

2026 Clean Sweep

Town Board Meeting Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Monroe Town Hall 1465 Orange Tpke., Monroe)

Please click here to view Agenda. 

Delayed Opening for Town Offices, February 25th

Town Hall willl be on a two hour delay this morning Wednesday, February25th due to the inclement weather. Town Hall will open at 10:00 AM. Additionally, the Sr. Center will be closed, and Dial-A-Ride will be available at 10:00 AM weather permitting. Please check back for any additional updates. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you, and be safe.