New York is under a burn ban—here is what that means

In case you haven't noticed, it hasn't rained in New York in a pretty long time. As nice as that might sound like, the environment—and, in turn, New Yorkers—are feeling the repercussions of the unseasonal weather.

Following a red flag warning that lasted nearly a week—a forecast issued by the National Weather Service to alert the public and land management agencies about the potential for fires and rapid spread given the lack of rain and increased wind—New York State is now under a burn ban order.

The statewide burn ban will be in effect until, at least, November 30.

What is a burn ban?

To put it simply, the general public is being asked to refrain from burning things in public given the increased fire risk that the current weather conditions have caused.

"This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking," reads an official press release by the Governor's office. "Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires."

Keep in mind that New York State residents are prohibited from burning garbage or leaves all year-round, so that's certainly out of the question at the moment as well.

Are certain areas in New York State more at risk than others?

At the end of last week, the Hudson Valley and Long Island were at "very high" risk for fire dance. The Catskills, upper Hudson Valley/Champlain, St. Lawrence and Leaterstocking were a notch below, at "high," and Adirondack High Peaks, Lake Ontario and Southern Tier are at "moderate" risk for fires.

You can keep track of the various risk tiers right here.