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Dutchess County officials have reported nearly a dozen brush fires this week, prompting reminders about the ongoing burn ban. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a burn ban for Dutchess County and the lower Hudson Valley due to dry and windy conditions. This ban is an extension of the annual statewide ban, which begins on Sunday (March 16) and will last until May 14.
Since Sunday (March 9), over 10 brush fires have been contained in Dutchess County. The burn ban prohibits starting outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires. However, backyard fire pits and small, contained cooking fires are permitted. The DEC states that open burning is the "single greatest cause" of wildfires in New York. For more details on the ban and fire safety tips, visit the DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.
In nearby Columbia County, several large brush fires erupted earlier this week, leading fire officials to urge residents to halt all open burning. The Greenport Fire Department emphasized the vulnerability of the area to rapid fire spread due to current weather conditions.
The DEC highlights that local governments may have stricter rules than the state, and advises checking with local authorities before having an open fire. For more information on open burning regulations, visit the DEC's official website.