He took it one step farther.

"I've gone to the EPA. They sent me to the Sheriff's Department, who sent me to the DEC, who sent me back to the Sheriff's Department, who sent me to the State Police," he ticked off what he feels is a run-around.

"They just keep pushing me off to the side."

Current Regulations

"The burning of garbage or refuse is illegal," said David Winchell, spokesman for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 5. "If that does happen, we can issue a ticket or a violation."

A ticket can run up to $250.

Part 211 of the law goes beyond that, considering some burning as a "public nuisance," such as smoke or paint fumes.

"We'll respond as quickly as possible," Winchell said. "It depends on the availability of the officer and the workload (they have)."

But only three DEC officers are assigned to Clinton County and six to a larger zone that includes Clinton County.

"As soon as they get there, the fire is out, and there is no evidence," Relation said.

"It's like barking up a tree and not being able to climb it," said Matthews.

Proposed solutions

On the state level, DEC is hoping to have something to the Governor's Office shortly.

"We are looking at proposing regulations that will ban all outdoor burning," said Winchell.

Only campfires, barbecues and agricultural-plant-waste burning would be allowed, if the new rule is accepted.