NORWICH – Chenango County Chairman Richard Decker, in conjunction with the Chenango County Bureau of Fire, declared a state of emergency Tuesday banning all outdoor burning and recreational outdoor fires effective immediately.

Due to warmer temperatures and the recent decreased rainfall amounts, we are experiencing significant drying conditions which result in grass and brush fires. The ban does not include controlled cooking fires when the fire is contained in a controlled fireplace, barbecue grill or cooking pit. Although, those cooking outdoors must have a proper extinguisher available.