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RAY BROOK — Residents across the tri-county area are being reminded of the open-burn ban that will affect most small communities through mid May.
Last year, New York toughened restrictions on open burning in an effort to reduce harmful air pollutants and prevent wildfires.
Though the new regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a population of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring, when the bulk of New York's wildfires typically occur.
Open burning is prohibited March 15 through May 15.
The Department of Environmental Conservation said opening burning is the primary cause of wildfires in the state.
"Open burning poses a significant fire risk," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said in a news release.
"By banning open burning during the high-fire-risk period, we are taking steps to protect the health and safety of our children, our families and our natural environment."
Violators will be subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with penalties ranging from $375 to $15,000 for a first offense.
Violations can be reported by calling 1-800-TIPP DEC.
More information about the ban can be found at www.dec.ny.gov.
