Stephentown Open Burning Regulations

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implemented a new open burning regulation that took effect in October 2009. As part of that regulation open burning is banned between March 16 and May 15 each year. The regulation also specifies what can and cannot be burned. What can be burned is brush with pieces up to 6 inches in diameter and not more than 8 feet in length.  Organic agricultural waste can also be burned. Campfires and ceremonial bonfires are permitted with certain restrictions. Burn barrels and burning of any household trash is banned. Also on the “what can’t be burned” list are piles of leaves, stumps and construction debris.
In 1981 the Town of Stephentown, in cooperation with Stephentown Fire District #1, enacted a law which continues in effect.  This law permits the Stephentown Fire Department to further regulate open burning by issuing burn permits to Stephentown residents.  Last year 146 permits were issued for controlled open burning.  New 2010 permits are available free of charge. Anyone needing a permit should contact Rik McClave at 733-5170 to fill out an application. If Rik is not available, Chief Rich Burgess or Assistant Chief Joe Zwack may be contacted.  The permit is good for seven days from time of issue but can be reissued for other burns during the same calendar year.
On the day of the actual burn, the permit holder must contact Rensselaer County Public Safety at 270-5252 prior to lighting the fire and after the fire has been extinguished. This is to ensure that the Fire Department is not needlessly dispatched to a controlled burn. Please remember the Town of Stephentown Local Law 1981-1 has a penalty clause in which violators may be fined up to $100. In addition, NYS Environmental officers may also cite any violations resulting in additional fines.
The Stephentown Fire Department is pleased with the 60 day ban on burning which coincides with the most dangerous time of the year with dry grasses and spring winds causing a serious threat. At other times burning must be controlled and all open burns kept away from combustibles materials and buildings.  Please be safe.