Sullivan County officials are reminding people there is a state-wide burn ban still in place.

Over the weekend, there was a fire in the county several acres wide, believed to have happened because of an open fire. The DEC says this is the time of year when there are a lot of leftover leaves, plants and tree debris that can be a fuel for wildfires.

According to the DEC, spring fires have dropped nearly 37 percent since the ban started in 2009. It's against the law to break the ban, but it's also a huge safety hazard.

"It put everybody's lives in danger," said Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild. "The citizens of Sullivan County, the citizens of any county in New York State, as well as the first responders. And first responders' safety is our safety, our most important thing."

The burn ban is in effect until May 14.