Makeshift fire pits on Clarkson property are illegal. Clarkson University is within the limits of the Village of Potsdam. Fire pits in the village require a permit or variance from the village of Potsdam Code Enforcement office.
Additionally, open burning is currently prohibited in the State of New York because open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires.
For more information about open burning in NYS please go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124884.html#:~:text=%22Starting%20March%2016%20and%20ending,continuing%20that%20trend%20in%202022.%22
For more information regarding Potsdam regulations, please go to:
Statewide Burn Ban March 16 and Town of Potsdam Burn Permits – Potsdam Fire Department
