The State DEC is sending a reminder to citizens that residential brush burning will be prohibited between March 16 and May 14.

With temperatures warming up, the DEC says wildfires can start and spread easily thanks to the presence of dead grass and fall debris. Windy weather and a lack of green vegetation could make things worse.

“While many people associate wildfires with the western United States, the start of spring weather and the potential for dry conditions increases the risk for wildfire in New York,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement Tuesday. “New York prohibits residential burning during the coming high-risk fire season to reduce wildfires and protect people, property and natural resources. The ban has been extremely effective in reducing the number of wildfires, and we’re encouraging New Yorkers to put safety first.