Campfire safety in the North Country: what to know during dry weather

Dry conditions have increased wildfire danger across New York, making campfire safety especially important in the North Country. The state Department of Environmental Conservation recommends keeping fires small, using established fire rings or pits, and making sure every fire is completely extinguished before leaving it.

How should I put out a campfire?

Pour plenty of water over the fire, stir the coals and ashes, and continue adding water until everything is cool enough to touch with the back of a hand. The DEC’s guidance is simple: if a fire is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Hot embers can burn underground and smolder for days or weeks before developing into a wildfire. Campers, hunters and other outdoor recreationists are urged not to build fires outside established fire rings or pits.

What should North Country campers avoid?

Do not dump ashes, charcoal or cigarette butts on vegetation or the forest floor. Those materials can ignite dry vegetation.

Drivers should stay on established roads and avoid parking on dry grass or other vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can start fires.

What are the current conditions in Northern New York?

Much of New York is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and fire danger is higher than usual for this time of year, the DEC said. The agency rates fire danger as low, moderate, high, very high or extreme by area and updates its fire danger map weekly.

The DEC has also warned that cool autumn nights, light winds and limited atmospheric mixing can allow pollution from chimneys, traffic and industrial sources to accumulate. Smoke from brushfires in the southern United States has also moved into New York, with some fine particles settling closer to the ground.

Residents can check the DEC fire danger map before planning an outdoor fire and use the state Air Quality Index for current air conditions.

What local burning rules apply in the North Country?

Local rules may be stricter than statewide requirements, so residents should check with their town or county before burning. In Jefferson County, the county’s open-burning information prohibits open burning from April through October and says prior approval is needed during other months.

Statewide, burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. New York’s annual spring brush-burning ban runs from March 16 through May 14.

What precautions apply to equipment and vehicles?

Chainsaws, generators and other power equipment should have functioning mufflers with spark arrestors. The DEC also recommends keeping a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher nearby when using such equipment.

Open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York, and most wildfires are caused by human activity. Lightning is a natural cause. DEC Forest Rangers fought seven wildfires that burned 11.5 acres from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1; three of those fires were caused by debris burning.

Where to get help or more information

Call 911 if you see a wildfire and provide its location. An unattended campfire on DEC land can be reported to Forest Ranger Dispatch at 1-833-697-7264.

More guidance is available from the DEC’s campfire advisory, its wildfires page and its open-burning information. Residents should also contact local town or county officials about rules that apply where they live.

Common questions

Can I build a campfire outside an established fire ring?

The DEC discourages building campfires outside established fire rings or pits. During dry conditions, keeping fires contained and small reduces the chance that embers will spread.

How do I know when a campfire is fully out?

Pour water over the fire, stir the coals and ashes, and add more water until the remains are cool enough to touch with the back of a hand. A fire that is still hot should not be left unattended.

What should I check before having a fire in Northern New York?

Check the DEC fire danger map and contact local town or county officials about burn rules. Local requirements can be stricter than statewide rules.

What are the open-burning rules in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County’s open-burning information prohibits open burning from April through October and requires prior approval during other months. Residents should verify the requirements with county officials before burning.

What should drivers do on dry roads or trails?

Stay on established roads and do not park on dry vegetation. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters can ignite grass or other dry material.

Who should I call if I see a wildfire near Watertown, Fort Drum or elsewhere in the North Country?

Call 911 and provide the wildfire’s location. For an unattended campfire on DEC land, call Forest Ranger Dispatch at 1-833-697-7264.

Can I burn leaves or garbage in New York?

No. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited statewide year-round. The state also has an annual spring brush-burning ban from March 16 through May 14.

What equipment should be nearby when using a chainsaw or generator?

Power equipment should have a functioning muffler with a spark arrestor. The DEC recommends having a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher nearby.