MAMAKATING — The New York State Department of Environment Conservation reported a brush fire this week in the Town of Mamakating.

On March 22 at 4:15 p.m., Forest Ranger Richard Franke responded to an open burn off Route 209.

The DEC says that a 41-year-old from Manhattan was burning brush and had left the fire unattended.

Due to high winds and dry conditions, the fire spread to approximately 2.5 acres of land.

The Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company responded and had the fire under control by 4:45 p.m.

Ranger Franke issued tickets to the subject for violating New York’s statewide brush burn ban.

New York’s annual statewide brush burning ban is in effect through May 14.

Since 2009, the DEC has enforced the ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires each spring.

Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed, but only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned.

People should never leave these or any fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York website – www.dec.ny.gov/lands/42524.html.