Fire bans ordered in view of growing drought conditions

Westchester County says that due to the dry conditions an open fire ban has been issued for the county’s parks, effective immediately.

“The wooded environment in the parks, including camping sites and remote areas have an increased risk of fire due to the significant shortage of rainfall this season,” the county said. “While this ban is in effect, charcoal and propane fires will only be permitted for cooking in permanently fixed grills in the parks.”

In Rockland, in response to ongoing dry conditions and increased fire danger, County Executive Ed Day has issued an executive order for a countywide burn ban, effective immediately. Day said that the action was taken in consultation with the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services, in light of the National Weather Service issuing warnings indicating heightened fire risk.

The Rockland burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with fire pits and campfires.

According to Day, “Under these extremely dry conditions, even a small spark could lead to a significant and fast-moving fire. We are urging everyone to adhere to this ban until we receive sufficient rainfall.”

Rockland’s Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear said, “By reducing potential ignition sources, we can prevent dangerous situations and protect both lives and property.”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said that the counties currently under drought watch are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. The Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Long Island are currently at high risk for fires. A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster.