Dutchess County Man Charged in Violation of New York State Burn Ban

Burn Ban in Effect Across Most of New York State

The Department of Environmental Conservation announced on their website that a statewide Burn Ban would be put into place on October 2nd, 2025.

In the statement on their website, they explain:

A temporary statewide burn ban will be in effect from October 2 to October 15 due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. The burn ban will be revaluated prior to expiration.

The statement goes on to add that New Yorkers can help their communities prevent fires by "complying with the prohibition on most outdoor fires and protect water supplies by continuing to conserve water whenever possible."

According to a current map on the DEC website all of New York State is in a high fire level.

High Level during a burn ban means "All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes."

Brush and campfires are likely to spread and "Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common."

High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.

Red Hook Man Charged in Violation of Burn Ban

One Dutchess County man ignored the Burn Ban warnings, which resulted in law enforcement being called in.

According to a press release from the Red Hook Police Department, on Friday October 3rd Red Hook Police responded to help the Tivoli Fire Department "with a large brush fire located on Budds Corners Road in the Town of Red Hook."

As they arrived on scene and investigated the fire, they "determined the large fire consisted mostly of construction material and waste."

The Red Hook Police Department explains that DEC Officers also responded to the scene to assist and "subsequently charged the property owner, a 56 year old male, with unlawful disposal of solid waste, and violation of the NYS burn ban."

Responding Tivoli firefighters were able to knockdown the fire quickly after their arrival on the scene. The property owner is due to appear in town court at a later date.

Is The Hudson Valley in a Drought?

As of October 6th, 2025 the New York State DEC is reporting that the Hudson Valley is under a Drought Watch.

A Drought Watch is "the first of four levels of state drought advisories." After watch comes Warning, then Emergency, followed by Disaster.

While there are no mandatory water use restrictions during a drought watch, "residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water."

Learn more about the current state of New York's drought status at DEC.NY.GOV.