Open Burning in New York Help Prevent Pollution and Wildfires Annual burn ban in effect from March 16 through May 14 Open burning of household trash releases dangerous compounds including arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, lead, hydrogen cyanide and dioxin, among others. Open burning is also the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York. Report all poachers and polluters by calling the DEC hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267). Watch a PSA on open burning and check out other clips on DEC's YouTube Channel. Open Burning Prohibitions Open burning is prohibited in New York, with several exceptions: Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.