Just days before a statewide burn ban goes into effect, one local county has issued its own ban. Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler declared a local state of emergency on Wednesday due to the high potential for wildfires with warm temperatures and low relative humidity this week.
The state of emergency went into effect at noon and declared it illegal to conduct outdoor burning in Steuben County until the executive order expires on March 17th at 11:59 a.m. In addition, the New York State Burn Ban goes into effect on March 16th and remains in effect until May 15th.
According to Wheeler, warm temperatures and low relative humidity this week, along with brisk spring winds, combined to increase fire potential in the county. Local forest rangers and volunteer firefighters have responded to an increasing number of wildfires over the past several days.
Wheeler said the major concern is unprotected grass, timber, and dry brush lots. 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 Steuben County Executive Order bans all open burning and all recreational outdoor open fires. Anyone who knowingly violates any emergency order is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
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