Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a burn ban for Ulster County due to increased fire activity and heightened wildfire risk. The ban will remain in effect until March 16, 2025, when the statewide burn ban will take effect, continuing until May 14, 2025.

Prohibited Activities:
The burn ban prohibits the following outdoor fires:

Brush and debris burning
Uncontained campfires
Recreational fires
Open fires used for cooking (except as noted below)
Exceptions:
Certain fires are permitted under the ban, including:
✔ Barbecue grills, maple sugar arches, and similar cooking devices when used for food preparation.
✔ Contained campfires that are less than 3 feet high and 4 feet wide and are in a fireplace, hibachi, or fire ring.
✔ Agricultural burning for waste disposal on farms larger than five acres, provided the waste is fully burned within 24 hours.
✔ Emergency burning by law enforcement or public safety agencies for explosive or hazardous materials.
✔ Prescribed burns performed under 6 NYCRR Part 194 regulations.
✔ Fire training exercises, including firefighter training, arson investigation, and controlled structure burns (with proper safety measures).
✔ Open fires approved by the NYS Division of Air Resources for disease or invasive species control.

🔥 Violators may face fines and penalties. Please take precautions to prevent wildfires and protect our communities.

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website or contact local fire officials.