High Fire Danger for Otsego County, New York

After living in Colorado for ten years, and experiencing two of the worst fires in that state's history, I take fire condition warnings seriously. While we might not face the same probability of fires as states in the west, the potential exists here in Central New York. Just last year, acres were ablaze in Richmondville and East Worcester, New York.

A special weather statement has been issued by the National Weather Service today: Dry conditions with gusty winds are expected across the region today. Minimum relative humidity values will drop as low as 20 percent in some areas with south to southwest wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph during the afternoon. Although this Spring has been wet, fine fuels such as dead grass and leaf litter will quickly dry out in these conditions. If any fires were to start, the windy and dry weather will increase the risk of wildfire spread, making it difficult to contain.

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Wildfires, frequently referred to as forest fires, annually burn areas of natural terrain in New York State. While some are sparked by lightning, human actions remain the primary ignition source for most incidents. Safeguarding our natural heritage and local communities requiress collective efforts in wildfire prevention and containment. Both residents and visitors, alongside municipal authorities, bear the responsibility to mitigate fire risks. Through heightened awareness and proactive measures, we can curb the destructive impact of wildfires, preserving the integrity of our environment and ensuring the safety of our communities.

The annual statewide burn ban is in effect until May 14th. No burn permits are issued.