The New York State burn ban took effect March 16th, prohibiting brush burning and other open fires. This seasonal restriction is due to the warmer temperatures, windy conditions, and low humidity which increases the risk of wildfire. Wildfires can still occur at other times of the year, however the ease at which they can start and spread in the spring season is very high.

Even when the ground may appear wet enough that fire doesn't seem like it would be a risk, brush, grass, and other undergrowth are very dry and the windy conditions can make a smoldering fire spread into a large scale event that can threaten property, buildings, and lives.