VIDEO: As cooler nights approach, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a warning to exercise caution with backyard fires. The fire risk remains high across the region due to dry conditions.
Campers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to use designated fire pits and never leave fires unattended. Forest rangers emphasized that even small campfires can quickly become dangerous.
โIt takes a lot of work to put out fire. The ground fires weโve had so far have been relatively small, anywhere from 10-15 feet square up to a couple acres, but because of the amount of material thatโs burning in the ground, it takes a lot of effort, a lot of time to put those out,โ said Forest Ranger Captain Scott Jackson.
Since Aug. 1, New York forest rangers have responded to 53 fires. Nearly half of these were caused by campfires that were not fully extinguished. Officials warned that the risk could persist through October.
