Steuben County declares local state of emergency, issues outdoor burn ban. What to know.
Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler declared a local state of emergency Wednesday banning all outdoor burning due to the high potential for wildfires.
The state of emergency declares it illegal to conduct outdoor burning in Steuben County from 12 p.m. Wednesday until the executive order expires in five days at 11:59 a.m. on Monday, March 17, said Tim Marshall, Steuben County Director of Public Safety.
The New York State Burn Ban, meanwhile, goes into effect on Sunday, March 16 and remains in effect until May 15.
The New York State Department of Conservation implements a statewide brush burning ban every year from March to May to prevent the risk of wildfires in the spring season. During the ban, the burning of downed tree limbs and branches is prohibited.
A burn ban in Steuben County is now in effect due to increased risk of wildfires.
Warm temperatures and low relative humidity this week along with brisk spring winds combined to increase Steuben County’s fire potential, Marshall said. Local Forest Rangers and volunteer firefighters have responded to an increasing number of wildfires over the past several days.
More: NYS burns hundreds of acres annually with prescribed fire. Landowners want OK to do same.
The major concern currently is unprotected grass, timber and dry brush lots, Marshall said. With the spring season also comes unpredictable winds which can become gusty at any time. These winds can spread a fire to areas of unexposed brush and grass, causing any fire to jeopardize life and property.
The executive order from Steuben County bans all open burning and all recreational outdoor open fires, Marshall said. Anyone who knowingly violates any emergency order is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Steuben County declares state of emergency, issues outdoor burn ban
