High wildfire danger across New York
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York conservation officials say the fire danger is high across most of the state with specific warnings issued in several areas due to dry conditions and rising temperatures.
The Department of Environmental Conservation says residential brush burning is prohibited through May 14.
Specific warnings have been issued for the upper Hudson Valley, the mid-Hudson Valley, the Catskills, New York City and Long Island.
According to the DEC, open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires.
With dried leaves and other debris from last year on the ground, the agency says wildfires can start and spread easily fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.