Otsego County, New York November Burn Ban Extended
According to a release provided by the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, the burn ban within the county has been extended. The ban will be extended for another five days beginning at noon today, November 7th, 2024, and ending at noon on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024.
Specifically, it has been ordered that outdoor burning is prohibited during the ban. The order will be considered violated if an individual burns flammable materials in an outdoor area, and if flames and sparks may result in a fire. The order does not pertain to fire department trainings as well as burns explicitly approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Per the release, "all outdoor burning of yard debris, household paper products, bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces, chimneys, and cooking fires within Otsego county is prohibited." Exceptions include the aforementioned burns approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as the use of charcoal and grass grills used exclusively for cooking food.
The purpose of these orders is to reduce the public safety risks posed by wildfires during the current dry weather. These orders will remain in effect until local conditions are deemed safe, as determined by the Chairman of the Otsego County Board in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The burn ban will be enforced by forest rangers, DEC police, and state and local authorities. "Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)."
More information on the ban can be found by clicking here.