Add Row 
Add 
New York State’s annual spring burn ban is in effect from March 16 through May 14, 2026, and this is a good time to talk about outdoor burning. Not just during the burn ban, but year-round.
In a small community like Cambridge, smoke from backyard fires and brush piles can affect more than the person lighting the match. It can create visibility issues, aggravate asthma or other health conditions, and put stress on neighbors trying to enjoy their homes and yards. Even when a fire is technically allowed, it is worth thinking about how it affects the people around you.
Our goal here is simple: help residents understand the rules, reduce confusion about who enforces them, and encourage the kind of common-sense decisions that keep the community safe and neighborly.
Understanding the Rules: Burn Ban vs. the Rest of the Year
These rules come from New York State and apply here in the Village of Cambridge.
During the Spring Burn Ban (March 16 – May 14)
What is prohibited
Residential brush burning is not allowed during the spring burn ban. That includes leaves, branches, sticks, and other yard debris.
What may still be allowed
Small campfires or cooking fires using clean, dry, untreated wood are generally permitted, but they must be kept small. As a general rule, that means no more than 3 feet high and 4 feet wide.
Important clarification on enforcement
The spring burn ban is enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Cambridge Fire Department does not issue burn ban violations or serve as the enforcement agency.
How fire calls are handled
If a reported fire creates a risk to life or property, the Fire Department will respond as needed for safety. If there is no immediate hazard, firefighters may advise the person to extinguish the fire. If the person refuses, the matter may be referred to DEC, which is the agency responsible for enforcement.
That distinction matters. The Fire Department’s role is public safety and emergency response. Enforcement of the burn ban itself rests with the State.
Outside the Burn Ban (May 15 – March 15)
Once the seasonal ban ends, that does not mean anything goes.
What is prohibited year-round
Burning trash, garbage, plastics, tires, construction debris, or treated, painted, or manufactured wood is not allowed.
What may be allowed
Small recreational or cooking fires using clean, dry, untreated wood are generally allowed if kept small and controlled. Brush burning may be permitted in some circumstances outside the burn ban, subject to New York State rules.
A practical reminder
Even outside the burn ban, a fire that becomes unsafe is still a problem. If a fire presents an active hazard, emergency responders may act to protect life and property.
Why the Burn Ban Exists
Spring is one of the riskiest times of year for open burning. Dry grass, leaves, and brush can ignite quickly. Wind can carry embers farther than people expect. A fire that seems manageable at first can spread fast.
The burn ban is designed to reduce that risk. It helps protect homes, outbuildings, wooded areas, roadways, and the people who may be called to respond if something gets out of hand.
There is also a quality-of-life side to this. Smoke does not stay neatly inside one property line. It drifts. For some residents, that means a nuisance. For others, it can mean breathing trouble, irritation, or having to close windows and stay indoors. In a village setting, that matters.
A Neighbor-Friendly Approach to Burning
This is where good judgment comes in.
Even when a fire may be allowed, it is worth asking a simple question: is there a better option? If the answer is yes, that is often the best path.
If you are considering any outdoor fire, keep these points in mind:
Check weather and wind conditions first. Wind can shift quickly and carry smoke or embers farther than expected.
Keep fires as small as possible. Bigger fires create more smoke and are harder to control.
Burn only clean, dry, untreated wood.
Keep a safe distance from buildings, fences, brush, and overhanging limbs.
Do not leave a fire unattended.
Be mindful of where the smoke is going and who it may affect nearby.
That last point is not just about courtesy. In a close-knit community, thoughtful decisions prevent conflict before it starts.
Better Alternatives to Burning
In many cases, the best fire is the one that never needs to be lit.
Depending on the material, better options may include:
Village yard waste pickup when available
Composting leaves and other suitable organic material
Chipping or hauling brush
Stacking and drying clean wood for future permitted recreational use
Those options reduce smoke, reduce risk, and often create less work in the long run.
When to Call
Call 911 if a fire poses an immediate threat to life or property.
For questions about burn ban rules, open burning restrictions, or possible violations, the appropriate enforcement contact is the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Key Contacts
Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department (non-emergency): 518-677-3044
Washington County Code Enforcement: 518-746-2150
DEC Ranger Hotline: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS
DEC Division of Air Resources: 518-402-8452
The Bottom Line
Right now, during the spring burn ban, residents should avoid outdoor burning except where state rules clearly allow it. After the burn ban ends on May 15, the same common-sense principle still applies: just because something may be allowed does not always mean it is the best choice.
A little restraint, a little awareness, and a little consideration for the people living around us goes a long way.
This post is provided for general public-information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific regulatory questions, consult New York State DEC guidance.
Write A Comment