Temporary Burn Ban Highlights Fire Risks Across New York State
Normally, we report burn bans in New York State in the springtime. But there is currently a burn ban for a few days in the fall. This ban began on October 2nd and goes through October 15th (2025) due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, A drought watch is in effect for several drought regions, including the Susquehanna drought regions, which include Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Cortland, Oneida, and Madison Counties.
A drought warning is in effect for the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions. The Southern Tier region includes the counties of Chemung, Steuben, Allegany, and Cattaraugus.
What Is a 'Watch' versus a 'Warning '?
There are four drought advisory levels: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster.
A watch means New Yorkers are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.
A warning indicates that voluntary water conservation measures are intensified, and public water suppliers and industries are advised to update and implement their local drought contingency plans.
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The NYS DEC notes that drought advisories are intended for guidance to public and private water suppliers and withdrawals.
New York State Fire Danger ratings include Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Extreme. For Sunday and Monday, October 5th and 6th, the entire state was under a High Danger rating.
High Danger means all fine dead fuels ignite readily, and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape.
For a daily update, visit the NYS DEC Fire Danger Map website.
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