New York is under a burn ban. Here’s what you aren’t allowed to do

A burn ban is in effect for all of New York state through Oct. 15 due to dangerously dry conditions.

The fire danger rating is only moderate across the state, but much of the state is in at least a drought watch, with the Adirondacks and Southern Tier in a drought warning.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the burn ban on Oct. 2 and signage has popped up along roads in the state to let residents know. But what does the burn ban in New York prohibit?

What does a burn ban in NY prohibit?

The statewide burn ban prohibits outdoor fires to dispose of brush and debris, uncontained fires like campfires, and open fires used for cooking. A backyard fire pit or contained campfire — when less than three feet high and four feet in length, width or diameter — is still allowed. Burning garbage and leaves is already prohibited year-round.

When the burn ban was announced, there was high fire danger in the Southern Tier, Lake Ontario Plains, St. Lawrence, Adirondack, High Peaks and Upper Hudson Champlain districts. Gusty winds and lack of rainfall drove the high fire danger; subsequent rain helped reduce the risk since.

While New York isn’t typically home to the wide-ranging and dangerous wildfires in the western United States, there have been 64 wildland fires in 2025. And open burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the state.

Want to keep an eye on fire risk conditions in your area? The state Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a fire danger map on its website. The DEC also operates a current drought conditions map.

Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York is under a burn ban. Here’s what you aren’t allowed to do