MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The New York statewide burn ban goes into effect Sunday, March 16, through May 14. 

There's an increased risk for wildfires right now in several areas across the state. That's why burning is prohibited in Nassau, Suffolk, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, New York, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and Ulster counties effective Sunday, according to the state Environmental Conservation Department (DEC).

Pocatello Fire Chief Stuart Carver is warning New Yorkers to be proactive, not reactive, to the burn ban.

"The land and the weather is prime for wildfires," Carver said. "The vegetation is dry, there is no rain in the forecast. When the winds pick up, it just needs one ember for that wind to pick up and to carry it, and that’s how the wildfires start."

According to the DEC, open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York state.

Carver said he wants the community to recognize the extensive damage in southern California from the January wildfires.

“You just have to go back to the Los Angeles wildfires," Carver said. "Thousands of structures were burned, people lost their lives.”

For more information on fire danger in your area, officials recommend visiting DEC's online map. If you need to report a wildfire, experts recommend you contact a forest ranger in your area.