Continues through May 14 to prevent wildfires
Because of dry, windy conditions and relatively low humidity, Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 9 issued an immediate residential burn ban for the lower Hudson Valley, including Dutchess and Putnam counties, New York City and Long Island. It remains in effect through May 14.
The annual burn ban, which began in 2009 and is designed to prevent wildfires, had been set to begin Sunday (March 16). It prohibits burning brush or debris, uncontained campfires and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
