open burn ban

A controlled burn of grass is now out of control and about 100 feet from a residence at 555 Council House Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. The dispatcher notes that this is against the open burn ban. It is in effect until mid-May.

Alabama Fire Department is responding and a tanker is requested from Shelby. Command asks that a Department of Environmental Conservation agent be contacted about the grass fire and the closest one available is in Avon.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Command reports fire is under control.

From Accuweather:

Breezy, mild and very dry conditions, especially in areas that have lost the snowpack, will result in an elevated wildfire potential across portions of Western New York toward the Finger Lakes region.

The risk will be greatest in open and sufficiently dried out locations such as fields and less wooded areas. Any outside burning is strongly discouraged.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the statewide open burn ban is in effect March 16 through May 14.

It's currently 60, sunny and breezy.

Press release:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds residents of the annual burning ban from March 14 through May 15.

During this time period, no open burning shall be allowed. Violators of the open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report a violation call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's Web site.

Additional information from DEC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/80920.html