By CHRISSY PRICHARD

Express News Staff

Residents of New York State are reminded that the risk of wildfire is highest in the spring, and outdoor burning is regulated this time of year by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Statewide regulations on open burning were enacted in 2009, and are in effect from mid-March through mid-May each year to prevent wildfires during the spring, when they are most likely to occur. According to Forest Ranger Division wildfire occurrence data from 1985 through 2009, 96 percent of wildfires in New York are caused by humans. In order to protect our forests and communities from the risk of wildfire, the DEC urges everyone to be vigilant about fire safety this time of year.

Fire risk is higher in the spring, mainly because of the lack of green vegetation. Due to this, conditions on the ground are dry, since the sun has direct contact with fuels on the forest floor such as leaves, branches and dry grasses. And although the spring typically brings a lot of rain, the ground can still dry up in a matter of hours, perpetuating the danger.

This year the risk is even higher. This year’s snowpack was about half what is usually is, and it melted weeks earlier than usual due to an unseasonably warm March. Because of this, fuels at the ground level have had more sun exposure and are very dry. These factors, combined with warm temperatures and wind, create a situation in which a fire can easily get out of control.

According to the DEC’s website, New York State is 30.2 million acres in size with 18.9 million acres of non-federal forested lands. These forests support destructive and deadly wildfires when weather conditions are favorable for fire to spread. In heavily forested regions, such as the Adirondacks, the danger is higher, putting communities in these regions at greater risk. And although many people assume the lack of significant fires in recent years means the risk is lower, the opposite can often be true. A lack of fires allows fuels such as dead branches, brush and leaf litter to accumulate, actually increasing the risk.

In the Adirondacks, homes that are built in wooded areas or adjacent to forest lands are more susceptible to the danger of wildfire. A wildfire, or forest fire, occurs where development is minimal or non-existent. These wildfires can originate in communities and spread to the forest, or vice versa. Not only can homeowners take precautions to keep their fires from spreading into the woods, they can also do things to protect their homes from wildfire. Using fire-resistant materials for roofing, exterior walls, and fencing can help protect a structure. Removing dry vegetation and combustible materials from within 30 feet of the home is also recommended. Driveways and roads should be kept clear in case they are needed by fire personnel.

Knowing what kind of outdoor burning is allowed, and when, is an important part of keeping the risk down. Some things should never be burned. Examples of things not to burn are garbage, pressure treated lumber, leaves, and residential waste.

Open burning, or brush burning, refers to the burning of branches that are less then six inches in diameter and shorter than eight feet. Open burning is prohibited statewide between March 16 and May 14. Violators of the state’s open burning ban are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York.

During the rest of the year, when open burning is allowed, DEC permits are still required in many locations including the towns of Webb, Russia, Ohio, and Salisbury in Herkimer County; all towns in Hamilton County; Forestport and Remsen in Oneida County; and Lyonsdale, Croghan, Watson, Grieg and Diana in Lewis County.

In the spring, many land owners are clearing limbs and brush to get their yards cleaned up. Folks that use open burning as a way to get rid of this excess brush are reminded that they need to wait until May 14, and get a permit if necessary before doing so.

Campfires, on the other hand, are not the same thing as open burning. A campfire is contained within a ring, is no more than four feet wide and three feet high, and is fueled by charcoal or untreated wood only. Campfires are still allowed during the open burning ban. Any fire larger than a campfire is considered open burning.

Since campfires are still allowed during this fire-prone time of year, it is extra important to be careful and use common sense. Do not use wood that extends beyond the fire ring. Keep any firewood, brush piles or combustible materials at least 10 feet away from the fire. A fire ring should be built away from buildings, overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves.

Do not leave a fire unattended for any period of time, and be sure it is fully out before leaving it alone. Keep a hose, bucket, shovel or other means to extinguish the fire nearby at all times.

Since the state’s ban on open burning began in 2009, a significant decrease in wildfires has been achieved. Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous five years.

To report illegal burning activities, call (800) 847-TIPP DEC. In the case of an emergency, call 911 or your local fire department.

More information and tips on burning regulations and fire safety can be found on the DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov.