DEC Announces Start of Prescribed Fire Season

NY DEC Press Releases

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the start of its prescribed fire season, which will take place on DEC-managed lands from March 26 through early May. These controlled burns are a land management tool used to improve habitats, reduce wildfire risk, and eliminate invasive species.

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What changed

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the commencement of its prescribed fire season, scheduled from March 26 through early May. This initiative involves conducting controlled burns on designated DEC-managed lands across various regions of the state, including Suffolk, Dutchess, Albany, St. Lawrence, Onondaga, Chenango, Steuben, Monroe, Livingston, and Schuyler counties.

The DEC utilizes prescribed fires as a critical land management tool to enhance habitats for wildlife, mitigate the buildup of forest litter to prevent uncontrolled wildfires, and control invasive species. The process involves developing detailed burn plans, ensuring adherence to specific environmental conditions, and execution by qualified personnel, in coordination with the National Weather Service.

What to do next

Monitor DEC announcements for specific burn locations and schedules.
Ensure compliance with any local restrictions or advisories related to prescribed burns.

Source document (simplified)

March 26, 2026

DEC Announces Start of Prescribed Fire Season

Prescribed Fires Improve Habitats

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the agency will be conducting prescribed burns on certain DEC-managed lands from now through early May. Prescribed fire is a tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. It is regulated by law and regulation, requiring technical expertise to conduct these burns safely.

“Prescribed fires are used to reduce the buildup of wood and timber litter to prevent wildfires that would threaten public safety and structures,” said Commissioner Lefton. “It is also an important land management tool that helps DEC achieve specific ecological goals, including eliminating habitat for invasive species.”

Prescribed fires are planned in many regions of the state, specifically, DEC’s Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.

Region 1

Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Dwarf Pine Plains Pine Barrens State Forest - Suffolk County

Region 3

Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area – Dutchess County

Region 4

Albany Pine Bush Preserve – Albany County

Region 6

Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area – St. Lawrence County

Region 7

Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area – Onondaga County

Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area – Onondaga County

Long Pond State Forest – Chenango County

Region 8

Cameron State Forest – Steuben County

Canisteo River Basin Unit Management Plan – Steuben County

Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area – Steuben County

Rush Oak Openings Unique Area – Monroe County

Sonyea State Forest – Livingston County

Coon Hollow State Forest – Schuyler County

West Cameron Wildlife Management Area – Steuben County

West Hill State Forest – Steuben County

Before any prescribed fire is conducted, a burn plan is developed that outlines land management objectives, as well as parameters that must be satisfied before any prescribed fire can take place. Careful consideration is given to environmental factors such as current and expected weather conditions and smoke management considerations in close coordination with the National Weather Service. In addition, burn plans are executed by nationally qualified burn bosses.

Prescribed burns accomplish more than simply using fire to manipulate habitat for a land management objective. The burns serve as an opportunity for DEC Forest Rangers to develop partnerships among different DEC divisions. Prescribed fires on DEC-managed lands allow Forest Rangers, working with the DEC Divisions of Lands and Forests, Operations, and Fish and Wildlife to train more staff to become wildland firefighters, supporting efforts to implement future prescribed burns and wildland fire responses.

In 2025, DEC and partner agencies burned more than 1,600 acres of grassland and woodland habitats. These treatments included prescribed fires on two of DEC’s largest Long Island properties, the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest and the Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, as well as other DEC-managed properties in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.

Prescribed burns are regulated by law, and they are exempt from the annual residential brush burn ban in effect from March 16 to May 14. Burn Boss Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher explains more about prescribed fires in a video available for download (263 MB).

Contact for this Page Jeff Wernick
Press Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

Phone: 518-402-8000 PressOffice@dec.ny.gov This Page Covers New York State