Since it's starting to get nicer outside, you may be thinking about burning any debris left behind by winter, but the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is says that's not a good idea.

The statewide burn ban goes into effect this weekend.

This goal is limit bush fires during this time of year because conditions could accelerate a fire.

The burn ban runs from today through May 14.

Experts say conditions become conducive to wildfires as debris from this past fall and leaves dry out.

The first burn ban was put into effect in 2009.

According to the DEC, wildfires have decreased by 40% since then.