Burn Bans

No statewide burn ban is posted on New York DEC's fire-danger map. On the most recent FDRA risk table published on that map, effective October 17, 2026, 3 of New York's 10 Fire Danger Rating Areas read Moderate - Hudson Valley, Southern Tier and Upper Hudson Champlain - and the other 7 - Adirondack, Adirondack High Peaks, Catskill, Lake Ontario Plains, Leatherstocking, Long Island and St. Lawrence - read Low. New York's annual statewide brush-burning prohibition runs March 16 through May 14 each year, so it is not in effect now. Outside that window DEC's open-burning rules (6 NYCRR Part 215) still apply: downed limbs and branches under 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length may be burned on-site only in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents, and burning trash, leaves, or treated, painted or composite wood is illegal statewide all year, including in a burn barrel. Campfires and small cooking fires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet in length, width or diameter, using only charcoal or clean, untreated wood, are allowed. Towns, villages, cities and counties can pass stricter rules or require a permit, the ratings are reforecast every few days, and a Red Flag Warning can be issued at any fire-danger level, so check DEC's current map and your local government before you burn.