According to the 9-15-09 ONEONTA DAILY NEWS, trash burning in rural areas of New York State will be banned this fall. New York already prohibits many types of open burning in municipalities with more than 20,000 people. The new regulations will extend the ban to less densely populated, rural areas. According to a draft of the regulation, it can be enforced by DEC officers, as well as state police, county deputies, local police and fire and codes officials. The exceptions to the burning ban are:
* Tree limbs and branches less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet long.
* BBQ grills, maple-sugar arches and similar outdoor cooking.
* On-site burning of agricultural wastes as part of a valid farm operation.
* Liquid-petroleum smudge pots to prevent frost damage to crops.
* Celebratory bonfires where natural wood or products are used.
* Small fires to dispose of a flag or in connection with a religious ceremony.
* Emergency burning of dangerous or illegal materials by public safety authority.
* Fire training, including firefighting, rescue and arson investigation.
* Fires in response to an outbreak of a plant or animal disease.
