For the next two weeks, large outdoor fires are banned in all of New York State, to reduce the risk of wildfires. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Amada Lefton, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, announced the burn ban Thursday after weeks of unusually dry weather across most of the state.

Outdoor fires for burning brush or other material and other uncontained fires are all forbidden until at least October 15. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than 3 feet high and 4 feet long or in diameter are allowed, and small, contained cooking fires are also permitted.

Burning garbage and leaves is already prohibited in New York.

"Many regions are already in a drought watch or warning due to the dry conditions, and with the fire risk rising in some parts of the sta

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