ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York environmental officials have proposed a statewide ban on open burning, to reduce pollution and the risk of wildfires.

Current rules exempt the state's 850 towns with fewer than 20,000 people.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says burn barrels release 17 times more dioxin and 40 times more ash than permitted incinerators.

The proposed ban would make some exceptions, including small campfires and cooking fires, ceremonial fires and certain types of agricultural waste burning.

The DEC has scheduled seven public hearings across the state between June 23 and July 2.