CHENANGO COUNTY – March 15 was the beginning of the statewide open burn ban, which will continue until May 15. Local fire officials want to remind residents of this ban as there have already been accounts of grass fires resulting from burning yard debris and brush in Chenango County. The state has specified regulations on what can and cannot be burned during certain time periods. Currently, all open burning is banned.

“We have had several grass fires already this year and we want people to know the dangers associated with burning this time of year,” said Matt Beckwith, Fire Coordinator and Director of Emergency Management. “Not only will burning this time of year lead to the potential of wild land fires, but the persons responsible for the fire could be subject to a fine by the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation). Most importantly it's just safer to wait or dispose of the debris as recommended by the DEC.”

“It's inherent that during 'Nice Weather' such as we had over the weekend, people attempt to clean up their yard and conduct 'controlled burns' on their property by burning branches, leaves, etc,” said Beckwith. “What people do not realize is that the natural vegetation such as tall standing grass, lawns, etc. are still covered with dead grass and can easily spread to large fires from a spark or spread if left unattended. This was evident over the weekend as people were outside burning.”