Open Burning in New York
 
By Member Gary Saltzburg
March 19, 2023
 

Help Prevent Pollution and Wildfires

Burn ban in effect from March 16 through May 14, 2023

Open burning of household trash releases dangerous compounds including arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, hydrogen cyanide and dioxin, among others. Open burning is also the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York.

Report all poachers and polluters by calling the DEC hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267)

Open Burning Prohibitions

Open burning is prohibited in New York, with several exceptions:

Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
Small cooking fires are allowed.
Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.
Only charcoal or clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.