The annual statewide ban on brush burning will take effect on Sunday, March 16, according to NotifyNYC, New York City’s official emergency notification system.
The restriction restricts the use of outdoor fires to remove garbage and debris. This embargo will last until May 14 and is intended to deter wildfires.
According to NotifyNYC, open burning of rubbish is the top cause of spring wildfires in the state.
Given the dry conditions in New York City this year, concerns of flames are valid.
According to Bob Larson, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, from December 1, 2024 to March 13, 2025, New York City received about 73% of its historical average rain.
Normally, by this point, the city should have received 13 inches of precipitation, but as of Thursday, the five boroughs have only received 9.5 inches, Larson said.
