NYers urged to take precautions in dry, hot weather | News

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo is urging New Yorkers to take extra precautions in dry weather conditions. Recent hot and dry conditions have heightened danger of wildfires in the Capital Region.

The state instituted a statewide residential burn ban for 90 days through October 10. Some local areas have only received 25 percent of normal spring and early summer rainfall and current weather forecasts are predicting above normal temperatures.

"These conditions should not be taken lightly," said Gov. Cuomo. "The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring. The state will continue to closely monitor the wildfire danger and we will deploy whatever resources are necessary to protect New Yorkers should a critical situation occur."

Wildfires can start easily from many types of causes and can spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. The Governor urged New Yorkers to take extra caution and do the following:

· Refrain from starting any type of outdoor fire and in cases where a fire must be started, take extreme caution.

· Be watchful and keep a close eye when grilling outdoors.

· For those who smoke, make sure a lit cigarette is completely extinguished.

· When camping, use existing campfire rings when possible and keep fires small.

· Scrape away litter, duff, and any burnable material within a 10 foot diameter circle. This will keep the campfire from spreading.

· Never leave a campfire unattended.

· Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.

· Use a cooking stove instead of a campfire to prepare meals.

The New York State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Albany is closely monitoring the weather and is prepared if anything should occur.

For more information on preventing wildfires click here.