ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As cooler nights approach, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a warning to exercise caution with backyard fires. The fire risk remains high across the region due to dry conditions.

Campers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to use designated fire pits and never leave fires unattended. Forest rangers emphasized that even small campfires can quickly become dangerous.

“It takes a lot of work to put out fire. The ground fires we’ve had so far have been relatively small, anywhere from 10-15 feet square up to a couple acres, but because of the amount of material that’s burning in the ground, it takes a lot of effort, a lot of time to put those out,” said Forest Ranger Captain Scott Jackson.

Since Aug. 1, New York forest rangers have responded to 53 fires. Nearly half of these were caused by campfires that were not fully extinguished. Officials warned that the risk could persist through October.

To view the DEC’s “Fire Danger Rating Area,” for New York State click here.

Here are some tips from the DEC regarding wildfire prevention:

• Completely extinguish all campfires. Fires should be doused with water and stirred to mix ashes and water until ashes are cool enough to touch with the back of your hand. 
• Never discard ashes from campfires, charcoal grills, woodstoves, or cigarettes on vegetation or the forest floor.
• Avoid smoking in areas with flammable vegetation or organic soils. Cigarette butts and ashes should never be discarded in the forest regardless of location.
• Do not drive off established road or park on top of vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation that touches them.
• When using chainsaws, generators, and other power equipment ensure it has a functioning muffler with spark arrestor. Have supplies (shovel, water, fire extinguisher) to deal with a fire if one should start.
• Check local regulations for your intended destination for any additional restrictions on fires.
• Make sure that all vegetation and flammable material are far away from your fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

To learn more, visit the DEC website here.

News10NBC First Alert Meteorologist Glenn Johnson recently went in-depth about wildfires.

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