<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:verdana,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt"><font size="3"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Outdoor Burn Ban in Chenango County</span></font><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</span><br><br>NORWICH – Chenango County Chairman Richard Decker, in conjunction with the
Chenango County Bureau of Fire, declared a state of emergency banning all
outdoor burning and recreational outdoor fires effective immediately. <br>Due to
warmer temperatures and the recent decreased rainfall amounts, we are
experiencing significant drying conditions which result in grass and brush
fires. The ban does not include controlled cooking fires when the fire is
contained in a controlled fireplace, barbecue grill or cooking pit. Although,
those cooking outdoors must have a proper extinguisher available. <br>“Residents
should refrain from conducting any type of outdoor recreational burning
including camp fires, burn barrels and debris cleanup,” said Decker.<br>Matt
Beckwith, Chenango County Fire Coordinator, said local fire departments have
responded to an increasing number of grass fires this month.<br>“The fact we are
experiencing a lack of rain and warmer temperatures have increased the risk for
brush fires to occur,” said Beckwith. “Residents are strongly urged to refrain
from outdoor burning or activities which could ignite a grass fire, until
conditions improve. Our Office will continue to work with the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation in Sherburne and the New York State
Forest Rangers along with the National Weather Service to monitor the current
weather conditions.”<br>This State of Emergency is in effect for 5 consecutive
days and then will be re-evaluated to determine if the Emergency Order should be
lifted or extended, based the current weather conditions.<br><div> </div></div></body></html>