ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The annual brush burning ban in New York State began on Sunday.

From now until May 14, residents are banned from burning brush due to the increase of wildfires during this time in New York, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (DEC)

DEC Interim Commissioner Amanda Lefton said if anyone openly burn any brush during the ban, they may be subject to a misdemeanor level offense, with a minimum fine of $500.

The DEC says any campfires, small cooking fires or any outdoor fire less than 3ft in height and 4ft in length, width or diameter is still allowed.

According to Lefton, the ban has been “highly successful,” and very critical in stopping wildfires.

“This burn ban being in place will help and has historically helped ensure that we do not have too many wildfires that are happening in New York State,” said Lefton.

Due to the increased fire risk from gusty winds and lower relative humidity near Suffolk County, Gov. Hochul directed the DEC to implement an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley until the statewide ban on residential brush burning goes into effect March 16.

Forest rangers have responded to 26 wildfires across eight counties in New York, all caused by burning debris and burning more than 558 acres of land. One of these fires was in Tuscarora located in Steuben County.

To learn more information about the ban and how to safely build a campfire, click here.

PSA from the DEC on the burn ban: