Between April 21 and 28, Forest Rangers and local fire departments responded to fires in five counties across New York State. The fires burned more than 21 acres. The largest fire was in Lake Luzerne, Warren County, measuring 14 acres, which started on April 24 and was contained the same day. Six of the eight fires were caused by debris burning. DEC reminds New Yorkers that the statewide brush burning ban is in effect through May 14. Violators of the ban are subject to a minimum fine of $500. 

The Hudson Valley, Catskill, and Long Island regions are in “high” danger status. The current fire danger map is available on DEC’s website, https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/fire-danger-map. 

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.  

 If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.