Brush burning banned through May 14, DEC commissioner reminds New Yorkers

Syracuse firefighters put out flames of a brush fire on the corner of Velasko and Grand Avenue in March 2012. (Michelle Gabel | mgabel@syracuse.com)

By Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.com
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on May 03, 2013 at 4:30 PM, updated May 03, 2013 at 4:34 PM

Syracuse, N.Y. -- It's wildfire season in New York state, and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens reminded residents today that brush burning is prohibited by state law through May 14.

“Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, there are a fewer number of fires reported in New York State this time of year,” Martens said in a news release. “I urge everyone to be cautious since the risk of wildfires is greater this time of year and remind all New Yorkers that the statewide ban is in effect through mid-May.”

“The weather over the next few days is predicted to stay sunny with low relative humidity which will dry out things even more. The area will also experience an increase of user groups enjoying the outdoors this weekend with the advent of turkey season, start of prom season, and outdoor camping; thus, it’s important to remember the burn ban that is in place.”

State law allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a population of less than 20,000. The prohibition is from March 16 to May 14. It's also against state law to burn garbage at any time.

Since the law went into effect, wildfires dropped by 35 percent during the ban period when compared with the previous decade.

Anyone who violates the open burning ban is subject to criminal and civil actions, including a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332).

Updated 04/19/2012 04:26 PM

At the mock DWI, students got to see what happens at the scene of the gruesome crash, as well as what happens at the hospital afterward. Parents also took part in the program by showing students what family members go through when planning their child's funeral.

Fire crews say this program and others around the area have a large impact on students.

"It's been proven that kids learn best when they see it first hand, when they experience it first hand, just versus reading something. So we want to give them a real first-hand experience and make sure that they understand exactly how serious this could be and what the consequences are," said Manlius Fire Department Lieutenant Chris Halliday.

Many high schools plan a mock DWI program in the spring to make students aware of the dangers of driving drunk, particularly targeting prom night.

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Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – New York State’s second annual RecruitNY campaign to rally volunteers for local fire departments will be held this weekend.

Fire departments throughout Central New York will host open houses on both Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22. A press conference to announce the event was held on Thursday morning at the Taunton Fire Department.

The goal is to recruit 15,000 new volunteers into the firefighting ranks. Many departments in Central New York have seen their numbers drop over the past 10 years.

RecruitNY’s website has more information, including a list of open houses.

By Charley Hannagan, The Post-Standard

Manlius, N.Y. – Manlius police are asking for the public’s help in their investigation of a fire Thursday at The Beverage Outlet recycling center, 312 Fayette St., in the Village of Manlius.

The call came in about 6:30 p.m. It took firefighters about 50 minutes to put out the fire in the building that was filled with plastic bottles and cardboard boxes, said Manlius Fire Chief Paul Whorral. The fire traveled through the building's false roof, he said.

Nobody was injured, he said.

Fire investigators from Onondaga County Emergency Management are investigating the fire, Manlius police said.

Police ask that anyone with information call 682-2212, or 682-8673.

Hurricane Sandy is on course to hit the East Coast and New York State in the
coming days.

In preparation for the storm's potential impact, we encourage all
residents to make sure they have a storm emergency kit ready and include
items such as non-perishable food, water, cash, filled prescriptions, a
battery-powered radio, first aid kit, supplies for any pets, flashlights and
extra batteries.

We also recommend that you check in with neighbors, especially the elderly
or disabled, who might need assistance to ensure that their needs are met if
emergency instructions are issued.

Additional storm emergency tips include:

* Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an
out-of-town friend or family member to be the "emergency family contact."
Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family
emergency meeting place where the family can meet in case you can't go home.

* Pay particular attention to relatives with special needs, small children
and pets. Know where to relocate pets during a storm because many shelters
are not able to accept pets. Shelters often only accept "service animals"
that assist people with disabilities.

* Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need
to be called. Include children's schools, doctors, child/senior care
providers, and insurance agents.

* Follow the news and emergency broadcasts of local radio and television
stations that will provide up-to-date official information during a storm
emergency, including recommendations to evacuate specific areas.

* Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and how you
will be notified in the event of an emergency.

* Know the hurricane risks in your area, and learn the storm surge history
and elevation of your area.

* Store important documents such as insurance policies, medical records,
bank account numbers, and social security cards in waterproof containers.
Also have cash (in small bills), a checkbook, and credit/ATM cards readily
available.

Although the exact path of the storm is still unclear, Please closely
monitor reports on TV, radio and online for the latest information on the
storm.

And most important, let's keep everyone in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in
our prayers.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this tragic event

Webster (WSYR-TV) - Four firefighters were shot and two died at the scene of a fire in suburban Rochester on Monday morning.

 

Come join us for an Open House event Saturday April 27th and Sunday April 28th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM  We will have demonstrations and tours going on during these hours at both of our stations, 4 Stickley Drive and Pompey Center Road. Bring the family and see what the service is all about!

The Fire and EMS personnel from the Manlius and Fayetteville Fire departments, the Town of Manlius Police Department, staff from Upstate Hospital, Mercy Flight Helicopter, Newell-Fay Funeral Home, and the Manlius Village Court will be participating in a 2 day event that will show the Junior and Senior Class Students at Fayetteville-Manlius High School about all of the facets and consequences of a drinking and driving related incident. The program is titled "Every 15 Minutes". Good luck to everyone involved....you are helping to make a lasting impact on these kids!