Rochester and surrounding counties are under severe drought (D2) conditions, leading Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a statewide burn ban from Oct. 2–15.
The ban prohibits brush burning, debris fires, and uncontained campfires, though small cooking fires and backyard pits are allowed.
The DEC reports fire danger levels are “high” across much of upstate, with Forest Rangers responding to 64 wildfires since August.
Hochul warned that while the mild fall weather is enjoyable, it also raises fire risks.
New Yorkers are urged to conserve water by reducing lawn watering, fixing leaks, and cutting back on laundry and shower use. The ban will be reevaluated before Oct. 15.
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