Elmira- Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and  Office of Fire and Emergency Management Director Michael Smith would like to once again remind county residents that the statewide ban on all open burning in effect in New York has been extended. The original ban is in effect from March 15 to May 15 every year. The new provision in NYS law extends the ban until October 10, 2012 this year.

Residents may not burn brush and debris created by last week's tornado.  All tree and brush debris should be placed along the roadside for pick-up by DPW crews.

The ban makes it illegal to use a burn barrel or open pits as a means for incinerating trash. The burning of leaves is also banned in New York State. Agricultural burns are allowed and there are certain circumstances when controlled burns, with an issued permit, are permissible however, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has cancelled any burn permits for such activity between March 15th and October 10th.

"We have had an extremely warm and dry spring and summer this year. With the warmer weather comes dry vegetation that can result in brush fires that burn and spread quickly. Our fields and forests continue to be extremely dry and current weather conditions, low humidity and moderate winds, can fuel a fire quickly,” said Smith.

On-site burning of limbs and branches between October 11th and the following March 15th in any town with a total population less than 20,000 is permissible, however, individual municipalities can pass ordinances that are stricter than, and not inconsistent with, the open fires regulations. Smith encourages residents to check with their local authorities to find out if local law requires a permit or prohibits open fires.

The New York State regulation prohibits all open burning except for the following:
• Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter
• Small cooking fires
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires
• Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished
• Only charcoal or clean, dry, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned

Additional information can be obtained on the NYSDEC website or by clicking here.