NEW LEBANON–Already this spring, the Lebanon Valley Protective Association has responded to two brush fires–one of which burned down a nearby shed–and LVPA Car 2 firefighter Bud Godfroy points out that brush fires can be very expensive in another way for anyone who starts one at this time of year. “Open burning is a misdemeanor now,” he said.
While burning brush is usually legal in municipalities of under 20,000 people, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has banned all residential brush burning from March 15 to May 15, the high fire-risk period.
In a March 1 release, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis says, “Violators are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with penalties ranging from $375 to $15,000 for a first offense.”
The 911 Call Center, the officer in charge at the fire or any passerby can report the fire to the DEC number, (518) 357-2350, Mr. Godfroy said.
