Burn Ban In Effect Through May 14

DUTCHESS COUNTY — The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office is reminding people who live and work in the county that the annual statewide burn ban is in effect through May 14.

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement that said dry weather, sunshine, humidity levels between 15 percent and 30 percent and northwest wind occasionally gusting to around 20 mph is expected. All those parameters support an elevated risk of fire spread through the afternoon.

County residents are being asked to comply with and adhere to the statewide ban that prohibits residential brush burning. Compliance will reduce the risk of fire and improve community safety.

Multiple Dutchess County fire departments fought brush fires Monday.

The sheriff's office said everyone must take the necessary precautions to prevent these fires from starting. The fires not only endanger life and property but also put firefighters and EMS providers at increased risk.

For additional information regarding the burn ban, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation website.

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