If you were planning on burning some yard debris or enjoying a bonfire this weekend, think again.
Over the past week, brush fires have been breaking out across Long Island, with flames spreading quickly due to dry conditions and strong winds. In response, New York officials have issued a statewide burn ban to prevent future fires before they start.
It’s a precautionary move, and while it might put a damper on weekend bonfires and yard cleanups, it is meant to keep homes, businesses, and firefighters safe.
Most people think wildfires are a West Coast problem, affecting states like California and Oregon. However, in reality, New York is not immune. Dry conditions and strong winds can turn a tiny spark into a massive blaze.
Suffolk County saw multiple brush fires this past week, some tearing through the Pine Barrens, a wooded region known for its dry vegetation. Firefighters from more than eighty departments battled the flames, and while they managed to contain the fires, the risk remains high.
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has declared a state of emergency and sent extra resources to help local fire crews. Officials are now taking the next step: stopping new fires before they even start.
What’s Not Allowed?
Under the burn ban, certain outdoor fires are temporarily prohibited:
- Outdoor brush burning, including leaves, branches, or other yard waste
- Uncontained campfires that are not in a fire ring or proper structure
- Open cooking fires, unless specifically permitted
What’s Still Allowed?
Not everything is off-limits. If you plan a backyard barbecue, you are still in the clear.
- Gas grills, charcoal grills, and smokers are allowed
- Contained campfires that are under three feet high and four feet wide in a fire ring, fireplace, or hibachi
- Specific outdoor cooking devices, including maple sugar arches and similar structures
A Small Step to Prevent a Big Problem
Wildfires do more than destroy land—they put lives and homes at risk. And once they start, they are tough to stop.
Every year, states like California see devastating wildfires that cause billions in damages and force entire towns to evacuate. New York does not face fires on the same scale, but the risks are still real.
The Pine Barrens fire that started over the weekend spread fast, fueled by dry brush and wind gusts. Evacuations were ordered, roads were shut down, and one firefighter suffered second-degree burns.
This burn ban is designed to prevent situations like this from happening again. Cutting out unnecessary fire risks now means fewer disasters later.
Officials are taking this ban seriously. If you get caught violating it, there could be real consequences.
- Fines and penalties for those who ignore the restrictions
- Legal action if a fire is started due to negligence
- Increased risk of injury or loss of property if fires spread
Even with the burn ban, other ways exist to help reduce the risk of wildfires.
- Never leave a barbecue or outdoor fire unattended, and always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby
- Dispose of cigarettes properly, as a single spark can ignite dry grass
- Follow local fire department guidelines and stay informed about any updates to the ban
- Report smoke or suspicious fire activity immediately
This burn ban is temporary, and officials will continue monitoring conditions. The ban could be lifted if the weather shifts—such as a stretch of steady rain.
For now, the focus is on keeping New Yorkers safe. It is a simple step to reduce risks, protect firefighters, and prevent wildfires from getting out of control.
While it may not be ideal for those looking to burn debris or light an outdoor fire, the goal is to avoid unnecessary dangers.
Fires belong in fireplaces, grills, and fire rings—not in the woods.
