DEC, Partner Agencies Conduct Prescribed Burns Across 10 Towns and Multiple Counties

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with Forest Rangers and numerous state, federal, and local partners, carried out a series of prescribed fires across New York State between April 20 and April 27 as part of the annual prescribed fire season.

The controlled burns took place in the towns of Brookhaven, Hornby, Louisville, Lysander, Orange, Rathbone, Riverhead, Rush, Stillwater, and Worcester, as well as within Albany, Monroe, Onondaga, Otsego, Saratoga, Schuyler, Steuben, St. Lawrence, and Suffolk counties. Collectively, the operations improved habitat conditions across hundreds of acres of public lands.

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Details of Prescribed Fire Operations

• Otis Pine Barrens State Forest (Riverhead, Suffolk County)

  
  

  On April 20 and 21, nine Forest Rangers joined DEC staff from the Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Lands and Forests, along with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, to conduct controlled burns covering 104 acres.

• Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area (Rathbone, Steuben County)

  
  

  On April 21, nine Rangers worked alongside DEC staff and New York State Fire Wardens to complete a 43-acre prescribed burn.

• Saratoga National Historic Park (Stillwater, Saratoga County)

  
  

  Also on April 21, two Forest Rangers partnered with DEC staff and the National Park Service to conduct a 73-acre controlled burn.

• Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area (Louisville, St. Lawrence County)

  
  

  On April 21 and 22, seven Rangers assisted DEC staff with prescribed burns totaling 39 acres.

• Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area (Lysander, Onondaga County)

  
  

  On April 21 and 23, seven Rangers joined DEC staff to conduct controlled burns across 50.1 acres.

• Rocky Point Pine Barren State Forest (Brookhaven, Suffolk County)

  
  

  Between April 23 and 24, seven Rangers worked with DEC staff, Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Central Pine Barrens Commission, and The Nature Conservancy to complete a 114-acre prescribed burn.

• Rush Oak Openings Unique Area (Rush, Monroe County)

  
  

  On April 23, eight Rangers and DEC staff, along with State Fire Wardens, conducted a 50-acre burn.

• West Hill State Forest (Hornby, Steuben County)

  
  

  On April 24, six Rangers assisted with a 5-acre prescribed burn.

• Coon Hollow State Forest (Orange, Schuyler County)

  
  

  Also on April 24, six Rangers participated in a 9-acre controlled burn.

• Albany Pine Bush (City of Albany)

  
  

  On April 24 and 27, Forest Rangers worked with DEC and Albany Pine Bush staff to complete prescribed burns totaling 96 acres.

Importance of Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is a critical land management tool used to improve wildlife habitat, promote native vegetation, and maintain fire-dependent ecosystems. Controlled burns also help prevent the spread of invasive species and, in certain areas, reduce the buildup of wood, leaf litter, and other fuels that can contribute to dangerous wildfires threatening public safety and critical infrastructure.

DEC recently announced the start of the annual prescribed fire season. These operations are strictly regulated by law and require extensive planning, favorable weather conditions, and specialized expertise. According to DEC officials, prescribed fires are conducted carefully and responsibly to ensure both public safety and the achievement of long-term land management goals.