Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a temporary statewide burn ban on Thursday, Oct. 2 as a result of the drought and warm temperatures creating an increased fire risk. That will remain in place until at least Oct. 15, when it will be reevaluated, and possibly extended if there’s no improvement in the conditions then.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends, but it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk,” Hochul said in a statement. “Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the state, it is important to keep everyone safe by implementing this temporary burn ban.”

The burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking, according to the statement.

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. Burning garbage or leaves is already prohibited year-round. Read the proclamation online at tinyurl.com/ytsrjk3e.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 8, state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers have extinguished 82 wildland fires across the state, covering 705 acres, this year. Fires may become serious, and controlling them is difficult unless attacked successfully while still small. As of Oct. 8, the Adirondacks were at a moderate level of fire danger. The DEC’s statewide fire danger map, which is updated daily, is available at tinyurl.com/59smywfc.

Even with the rain earlier this week, the North Country — including the Tri-Lakes Region — is under a drought warning, according to the DEC. See the drought warning map online at tinyurl.com/mrudcyhk.