HAZARD: Over 12 Wildfires Ignited Across New York State

Fine weather we've been having. That is if you enjoy many days with warmer temperatures that aren't normal at this time of year, more sunshine than we are used to, and unusually dry conditions.

The unusually dry conditions are not a welcome thing in New York State. The fall dry period has resulted in burn bans in certain parts of the Empire State. In the Southern Tier, there were no counties under a drought watch, except for a small portion of Delaware County.

Read More: Dry Weather Warnings Issued

Now, the entire county is under the drought watch. The New York State DEC notes that a watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories consisting of watch, warning, emergency, and disaster.

In Tioga County New York, due to the lack of rainfall, a burn ban went into effect last week and will remain through November 29 or until rescinded by a subsequent order.

According to the New York Almanack (spelled correctly), over a dozen wildfires were reported across New York State in October. One such wildfire occurred shortly after the burn ban was announced in Tioga County. The wildfire in Berkshire turned out to be the largest of the fires reported, measuring nearly 24 acres.

Other fires reported from the New York Almanack included Sterling Forest State Park, St. Lawrence County, two in Steuben County, Plattekill, Rockland County, Dutchess CountyCepital District, Catskills, and Long Island.

You can view an updated New York State fire danger map on the NYS DEC website, and for information about fire safety and prevention, go to the NYS DEC Firewise New York webpage.