New York’s annual statewide brush burn ban went into effect on March 16 and will remain in place until May 14.
As the snowy season slowly fades and the vegetation begins to dry out, wildfires are more prominent as temperatures begin to rise and winds increase.
Across New York, the burning of leaves and trash is prohibited year-round — open fires may only contain charcoal or dry, clean, untreated and unpainted wood, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed under state law, as are small cooking fires.
State regulations permit 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, DEC said. In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres.
Open burning is prohibited during the spring to prevent wildfires and reduce the risk of air pollution.
“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,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated.
What are the burning rules in Broome County?
According to the Broome County Department of Emergency Services, the county follows the rules stated in its Charter and Code Article V, Section 305-22.
After the burn ban is lifted, outdoor fires must be both controlled and not cause a disturbance to residents in the surrounding area. According to county regulations, situations where open fires are permissible include:
For the burning of trees and brush, the dirt must be shaken from both the stumps and trees before the fire can be lit. Materials like fuel or other accelerants can cause air pollution and are not to be used.
The burning of trees, brush and open burning in remote areas requires permission from either the State Commissioner of Conservation, supervision from a local fire department or some form of public officer of fire prevention. If there are dangerous or explosive materials that require an open burning disposal method, a form must be submitted to the DEC Commissioner.
Reach out to 315-426-7438 for information about permit regulations. Open burning can lead to wildfires or uncontained fires. Wildfires can be reported at 1-833-697-7264 or your local fire department.
What about having a fire in City of Binghamton?
The City of Binghamton code book guides open burning and bonfires in city limits. Fires are allowed under these circumstances:
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at kcgrant@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Spring brush burn ban in effect. See Binghamton, Broome County regulations
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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