submitted by Rik McClave
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implemented a new open burning regulation that took effect in October 2009. As part of that regulation no open burning is permitted between March 15 and May 15 each year. The regulation also specifies what can and cannot be burned. [private]Only brush with pieces up to 6 inches in diameter and not more than 8 feet in length can be burned. Organic agricultural waste can also be burned. Campfires and ceremonial bonfires are permitted with certain restrictions. Burn barrels, leaf burning, construction debris and burning of any household trash is banned.
In 1981 the Town of Stephentown, in cooperation with Stephentown Fire District #1, enacted a law which continues in effect. This law permits the Stephentown Fire Department to further regulate open burning by issuing burn permits to Stephentown residents. Last year 138 permits were issued for controlled open burning. All permits must be renewed annually. This year’s permits will be available free of charge after May 15. Anyone needing a permit must call Rik McClave at 733-5170 and appear in person to fill out an application. If McClave is not available, Chief F. Joseph Zwack may be contacted. The permit is good for seven days from time of issue and can be reissued by a simple phone call for other burns during the current calendar year.
The Stephentown Fire Department is pleased with the 60 day ban on burning which coincides with the most dangerous time of the year with dry grasses and spring winds which cause a serious threat. Last year the Fire Department only responded to two calls during the 60 day period, when in past years the Department has responded to a dozen or more calls in that same period of time. Any open burn must be controlled and kept away from combustible materials and buildings. Please be safe!
On the day of the actual burn, the permit holder must contact Rensselaer County Public Safety at 270-5252 prior to lighting the fire and after the fire has been extinguished. This is to ensure that the Fire Department is not needlessly dispatched to a controlled burn. Please remember that the Town of Stephentown Local Law 1981-1 has a penalty clause in which violators may be fined up to $100. In additional NYS Department of Environmental Conservation officers may also cite any violations resulting in additional fines.[/private]