GREENPORT — Multiple large brush fires erupted across Columbia County on Tuesday, prompting fire officials to urge residents to halt all open burning despite the state’s annual burn ban not taking effect until March 16.
The Greenport Fire Department reported that dry and windy conditions have created highly combustible ground cover, making fires difficult to control.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a burn ban for the lower Hudson Valley region, but the restriction did not extend to Columbia County.
“We strongly encourage NO open burning between now and March 16th,” the Greenport Fire Department stated in a public notice issued at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The department emphasized that current weather conditions have made the area particularly vulnerable to rapid fire spread.
