New York Statewide Outdoor Burning Ban Rules

Under Environmental Conservation Law Section 71-2103 and 6 NYCRR Part 215, burning of leaves, brush, garbage, and construction debris is illegal in residential areas. Towns under 20,000 may burn untreated wood and tree limbs outside the spring fire season (May 15 through March 15), but towns over 20,000 face a year-round ban on most open burning. Small recreational campfires under three feet wide using clean wood are allowed. Burning to clear land or dispose of waste is always prohibited.

First violations carry fines up to $500; subsequent violations up to $5,000 per offense per day. DEC officers and local fire marshals share enforcement authority and can extinguish illegal fires.