Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a temporary statewide burn ban due to growing wildfire risk fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds.

The ban, which began Thursday and runs through Oct. 15, prohibits most outdoor fires, including brush burning, uncontained campfires and open cooking fires. Contained backyard fire pits and small cooking fires are still allowed, but garbage and leaf burning remain banned year-round.

“The ongoing nice weather is great for watching fall foliage or gathering with friends,” Hochul said in a statement. “But it also presents a higher risk for fires that put homes, businesses and our brave first responders at risk.”

According to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, fire danger is currently rated as “high” in several regions, including the Southern

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