The state has finally taken the long-overdue step of banning practically all open burning of residential waste, effective today. In effect, all trash-burning is outlawed, as of now.

The Department of Environmental Conservation henceforth prohibits burning in all communities, regardless of population (previous restrictions applied only to communities of 20,000 or more), with few exceptions, such as burning tree limbs and branches at certain times of the year.

The aim is to clear the air of pollutants and help prevent wildfires. Other happy consequence will be the elimination of choking smoke and noxious odors inflicted upon neighbors.

DEC allows for certain, limited exceptions, and here they are:

  On-site burning of limbs and branches between May 15 and the following March 15 in any town with a total population less than 20,000.

  Barbecue grills, maple-sugar arches and similar outdoor cooking devices.

  Small cooking and campfires.

  On-site burning of organic agricultural wastes, but not pesticides, plastics or other non-organic material.

  Liquid-petroleum-fueled smudge pots to prevent frost damage to crops.

  Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires.

  Disposal of a flag or religious item.

  Burning on an emergency basis of explosive or other dangerous matter or contraband by police, etc.

  Prescribed burns performed according to state regulations.

  Fire training with some restrictions on the use of acquired structures.

  Individual open fires to control plant and animal disease outbreaks as approved by DEC upon the request by the commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.

  Open fires as necessary to control invasive plant and insect species.

DEC cites studies showing that open burning, once considered harmless, releases substantial amounts of dangerous chemicals into the air. And this newspaper is littered with accounts of intentionally set grass fires running wild, some even damaging neighboring property.

Futhermore, volunteer firefighters have to answer those calls. That by itself ought to be enough to arouse guilt in anyone igniting the blazes.

On-site burning of limbs and branches still requires a permit if it occurs within a designated "fire town," of which this region has many. They are: the Clinton County towns of Altona, AuSable, Black Brook, Dannemora, Ellenburg and Saranac; all towns in Essex County; and, in Franklin County, Altamont, Belmont, Brighton, Duane, Franklin, Harrietstown, Santa Clara and Waverly.

Further information may be obtained by calling DEC at 897-1300 or by consulting the department's Web site: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58519.html.

The Essex County Board of Supervisors has questioned why DEC will no longer allow towns to safely burn brush for residents. We wonder about that, too. That ban could encourage more backyard burning and should be reconsidered.

As for the burn barrels, though, how an enlightened state such as New York could fail to have enacted these rules until now is a mystery, but we're grateful the action has finally taken place. Now, instead of just complaining about the air wafting out of someone else's improvident burning, there is something you can do about it.