RHINECLIFF FIRE & RESCUE

DEC Burn Ban in effect through May 15

State Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, county emergency management services and local fire departments remind residents that a ban on open burning of brush and other woody materials is in effect until May 15.

“This time of year has the most risk of fires, and the risk is even greater this year due to the extremely mild winter we’ve seen across the state,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said in a press release. “Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, there have been fewer fires reported in New York state. In an effort to protect the health and safety of our children, families and our natural environment, we remind residents that brush burning is banned statewide beginning this week.”