A statewide total burn ban is now in effect in New York. That means any type of burning outdoors i prohibited until mid-May. Amanda Lefton, the acting commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, says since 2009, the state has enforced an annual brush burn ban to help prevent wildfires and protect communities and first responders. Violators of the burn ban are subject to criminal enforcement and hefty fines, even for a first offense.