Burn Ban: March 16 - May 14, 2026

The annual New York State residential brush burning ban for 2026 is scheduled to run from March 16 through May 14.

This statewide regulation prohibits burning brush, leaves, and yard debris to reduce wildfire risks. Specific exceptions are allowed for small, attended campfires (under 3 feet high and 4 feet in length) and small cooking fires, provided they use clean, untreated wood.

Dates: March 16 – May 14, 2026
What is Prohibited: Burning sticks, branches, leaves, and brush.
What is Allowed: Small cooking/campfires (less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length). In towns with fewer than 20,000 residents, burning tree limbs/branches less than 6 inches in diameter is permitted.

Year-Round Rule: Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited at all times.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (.gov)