The Lower Hudson Valley and other parts of New York are under an early burn ban ahead of a statewide ban that starts Sunday, March 16.

Following brush fires in Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a burn ban until March 16, when New York’s annual statewide burn ban takes effect.

New York State’s burn ban will start March 16 and continue until May 14. Officials said this annual precaution decreases the risk of brush fires during this high-risk time. Public Information Officer Jeff Hontz in the Town of Owego noted that high wind conditions and the number of broken branches around the area make it highly probable that a flame will spread.

STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) -- On Wednesday, Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler issued a burn ban for the county due to a heightened risk of wildfires.

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State is set to initiate a burn ban next week. The ban will officially go into effect statewide on March 16. Due to wildfires downstate, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a burn ban already for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.

Brush fires that burned hundreds of acres on Long Island over the weekend are under control but a burn ban remains in place. More than 90 fire departments and EMS crews, as well as the National Guard,

Gov. Kathy Hochul expanded emergency measures as firefighters continued battling the aftermath of weekend brush fires in Suffolk County, issuing an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City and parts of the Hudson Valley.