Monticello, NY – As wildfires have raged across the State, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a Statewide burn ban from now through the end of the month.
This ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild, who was part of the team of hundreds of firefighters that this weekend battled a now-contained 600-acre blaze on the border of Sullivan and Ulster counties, continues to strenuously emphasize that outdoor burning is incredibly dangerous.
“We’ve had minimal rain over the past few weeks, and vegetation has dried up due to the change in seasons. The smallest spark could easily set trees and brush aflame,” he explained. “It is imperative – and now legally mandatory – to avoid open burning and the consequences that can come with it: callouts of local fire departments, damage to plants and properties, and injuries – including death, as tragically just happened downstate.”
Sullivan County remains in a Drought Watch – the first of four levels of State drought advisories (Watch, Warning, Emergency and Disaster). There are no Statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a Drought Watch, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.
“I am very grateful to all our Sullivan County firefighters and their fellow first responders who have been working over many days to contain these brush fires,” stated Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz. “They have protected property and life, sometimes at risk to their own lives. Thanks to these heroes, the fire near Grahamsville is now under control, with no homes burned or people hurt.”
