Dry heat sparks local wildfire fears

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July 14, 2012

Dry heat sparks local wildfire fears

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Sat Jul 14, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

Higher-than-average temperatures and less-than-normal precipitation have provided a "one-two punch" creating dry conditions in the area, a local weather observer said Friday.

Local fire officials said that the situation has not resulted in any major issues yet but they urge caution. The state instituted a residential burn ban for 90 days, through Oct. 10, in response to the heightened danger of wildfires in upstate and western New York.

"It's a combination of factors" that have resulted in such dry conditions locally, National Weather Service observer David Mattice of Emmons said.

While precipitation in May was slightly above normal, the rainfall in June was 1.98 inches -- compared to the normal of 3.62 inches. Most of that rain fell in the first half of the month. The total for July so far is .03 inches.

The lack of rainfall has been made worse by temperatures in July, which are about five to seven degrees above normal, Mattice said. The conditions are exacerbated by low humidity that causes things to dry out quickly.

"There is no low-pressure system in the forecast that will give us the two to three days of soaking rains that are needed," Mattice said.

National Weather Service in Binghamton meteorologist Theodore Champney said there is a chance of some rain before Saturday afternoon and thunderstorms are likely Saturday night into Sunday. Tuesday night and Wednesday there is also a chance of rain. The situation is caused by an atmospheric border to the south that separates the warm air from hot and humid conditions.

"These (dry) conditions should not be taken lightly," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in media release announcing the burning ban. "The potential for disastrous wildfires is present in all areas of the state and we must do whatever we can to prevent fires from occurring. As a result of a mild winter with relatively little snowfall, as well as areas of the state which have received only 25 percent of the normal spring and summer rainfall, wildfire danger across New York is heightened."

Violators of a newly issued Department of Environmental Conservation residential brush burning ban are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions. In addition, the agency will suspend all burning permits previously issued. A moratorium on new permits is in effect through Oct. 10.

Delaware County Emergency Services Director Rich Bell said people should not only adhere to the regulations in their towns but they should use greater caution during any type of burning. Bonfires and barbecues or anything that could provide a spark to such things as dry grass or brush could be dangerous. There have only been minor fires from the conditions in the last two weeks.

Otsego County Emergency Service Coordinator Kevin Ritton said he will discuss the problem with the county Public Safety Commission on Tuesday to see whether any special action needs to be taken. But right now "it's so hot that people haven't been making the outside fires that could be a problem," he said. "If they do so, they should be careful."

Oneonta Fire Chief Patrick Pidgeon said there haven't been any major issues from the dry conditions. But he would caution people to take common-sense precautions. In the past week, there were a few cases of smoldering dry grass when people tossed cigarettes out car windows, he said. The only open burning allowed in the city is for cooking. In such cases, people need to be careful such fires are not left unattended and not assume they will burn themselves out.

"With things being so dry, people need to be aware of the possibilities," Pidgeon said.

The Oneonta Board of Public Safety has not yet declared a drought emergency, but the board urged the public to assist by recognizing the need to conserve water, according to a media release. By following certain steps now, with rain later in the season, more-stringent measures can be avoided.

Preventive steps include:

"¢ checking fixtures for leaks and correcting them immediately;

"¢ curtailing outdoor water use, including car washes, lawn sprinkling and outdoor pools

"¢ filling water jugs and refrigerating them rather than running the faucet for cold water; and

"¢ installing flow restrictors on showers.

The city will provide updates on reservoir levels and the forecast for restrictions as necessary, the release said.

For more information on preventing wildfires, visit www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/brush-fire.cfm.