New York State is getting an early start this year on drought conditions and wildfires. Between April 14 and 21, Forest Rangers and local fire departments responded to fires in 10 counties across New York State which burned more than 37 acres of land.
Fires were reported in Albany, Clinton, Greene, Herkimer, Orange, Putnam, Saratoga, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties
The largest was a fire in Putnam Valley, Putnam County, measuring 21 acres, which started on April 18 and was contained the same day. Four of the 11 fires were caused by debris burning and Rangers issued multiple tickets.
New York State is currently experiencing HIGH Fire Danger in Eastern New York from the Canadian border through the Lake Champlain and Lake George Valleys and the Hudson River Valley and Catskills, south to New York City and including all of Long Island.
MODERATE Fire Danger is being reported for area South of the Mohawk River Valley.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is is reporting unusually dry conditions for this time of year in much of the State.
Western New York, the Catskills and Lower Hudson Valley are already ABNORMALLY DRY, with most of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Orange Counties are already experiencing a MODERATE DROUGHT.
The statewide brush burning ban is in effect until May 14. Violators of the ban are subject to a minimum fine of $500.
Read more about wildfires in New York State.
Illustrations, from above: The Putnam Valley wildfire (DEC photo); NYS Fire Danger map from April 22nd and the US Drought Monitor Map from April 17th (beige indicates Moderate Drought areas, yellow Abnormally Dry).
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