Putnam's County-Wide Burn Ban Comes to an End

CARMEL, N.Y. – A temporary burn ban in effect for Putnam County throughout the month of November has been lifted, but officials are still urging residents to be cautious and follow safety guidelines when burning anything outside.

 Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne implemented the burn ban in late October, when severely dry conditions increased the threat of wildfires earlier this fall. The county-wide ban was followed by a statewide ban issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Both officially expired on Nov. 30.

A press release from the County Executive's Office noted that local governments within Putnam County may still have town-wide burn bans in effect and advised residents to contact their respective municipalities to make sure restrictions have been lifted before burning anything outside.

The county issued an emergency declaration and accompanying executive order for the burn ban on Oct. 28 after a brush fire in Kent burned 33 acres over six days.  County officials said 10 fire departments and a number of other town and county agencies worked together to contain and control the fire.

Officials said that between Oct. 23 and Nov. 18, Putnam County's 911 Center received more than 150 responses related to brush fires, open burns, outside smoke conditions, and out-of-county mutual aid. These included 29 brush fire dispatches and seven deployments to Orange County to help fight the large Jennings Creek/Greenwood Lake fire.

“The last six weeks have been a trying time for our local fire departments and first responders,” Byrne said. “We owe them all a great deal of thanks for their vigilance, outstanding work, and continued efforts monitoring the situation.”

Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Robert Lipton said the dry weather created difficult conditions and urged the public to remain aware of the dangers of burning outdoors.

“It’s been a team effort between our local fire departments, dispatchers, law enforcement, and partners at the state to respond and keep the public safe,” Lipton said. "With that said, I would like to encourage the public to take serious precautions if they choose to plan an outdoor fire or safely burn in accordance with local ordinances. Please visit the National Wildlife Coordinating Group for safety tips at nwcg.gov/node/34989.”

Further tips and information for responsible burning in New York include:

• Check fire danger levels:
• Only burn-approved materials:
• Campfire size matters:
• Clear the area:
• Never leave unattended:
• Water readily available:
• "Fire Town" regulations:
• Local rules are key:

Before starting any fire, consult the fire danger map to ensure it's safe to burn in your area. 

Use only dry, untreated wood, like split logs and branches, and never burn trash, plastic, or treated lumber. 

Keep campfires small, under 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. 

Remove flammable debris like leaves and dry grass from around the fire pit. 

Always have someone actively monitoring the fire and never leave it unattended. 

Keep a bucket of water or a readily accessible water source near the fire to quickly extinguish it if needed. 

Be aware that certain towns in New York are designated as "fire towns" where open burning is heavily restricted or completely prohibited. 

Always check with your local DEC office to confirm specific burning regulations in your area. 

What to avoid when burning in New York State:

• Burning on windy days
• Burning in areas with dry vegetation
• Leaving burning embers unattended
• Using accelerants like gasoline to start a fire
• Burning in prohibited areas like forests or near buildings without a permit