Brush burning banned in some towns until May 14

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - State environmental regulators are reminding New Yorkers that residential brush burning is prohibited in towns with less than 20,000 residents until May 14 because of increased risk of fires during spring months.

The Department of Environmental Conservation said Tuesday wildfires can start and spread due to open burning of debris and dried out foliage. The agency said that open burning of debris is the largest cause of wildfire in the state.

New York adopted tougher restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce pollution.

People who violate the regulation are subject to both criminal and civil law enforcement, with a minimum fine of $500 for the first offense.

To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC or report them online

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Online:

https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/67751.html