Capital Region At Higher Risk For Wildfires

No one wants to hear that you're at risk for wildfires, but right now the entire state of New York is at a higher risk than usual thanks to the super dry conditions we've been experiencing.

The NYS DEC fire danger map currently has the Capital Region at a "moderate risk." That is the same risk level we're seeing for the entire state right now. I would personally prefer us to be in the low risk category, but if you've been outside recently you can tell that its' dry. Crunchy is the word that comes to mind when you step on the grass or leaves.

What causes a wildfire?

According to the DEC campfires account for 28% of wildfires starting. Maybe wait a bit to roast some marshmallows. Burning debris (things like garbage or leaves) is the cause of them 22% of the time.

Beginning in 2010, New York enacted revised open burning regulations that ban brush burning statewide from March 15 through May 15, a period when 48% of all fire department-response wildfires occur.

The best thing that we can all do until we get that rain we really need is to proceed with caution. Hold of on burning anything. Even if you think you're being responsible accidents can happen and wildfires spread rapidly.

Rain is on the way

Read More: Capital Region Under Drought Watch

Thankfully looking ahead at the rest of this week we will have some much needed rain. I don't think I've had to mow my lawn in weeks. Hopefully it will get a bit less dry and brightens up a bit before winter and it's covered in snow.