60 people caught illegally camping in New York state forest

A large group of about 60 campers was caught breaking the rules in central New York.

A camper at Stoney Pond State Forest in Madison County called to report that several vehicles around his campsite were blocking him.

A New York City Ranger and a New York State Police trooper responded and found approximately 60 people and a stack of approximately 30 pallets. The group was illegally burning some pallets.

LEARN MORE: Rangers catch huge group of more than 60 people illegally camping in upstate New York

New York State Burn Ban

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issues a statewide ban each year, prohibiting the burning of brush in residential areas.

DEC rangers and local fire departments battle dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres each year. They have already been called to several fires this year, all caused by burning debris thrown onto dry ground.

The good news is that spring fires have declined by more than 42% since the burning ban went into effect nine years ago.

LEARN MORE: Camper in Hot Water receives 10 tickets for illegal camping in upstate New York

Yard and campfires

You can still have your garden or campfires, as long as they are less than three feet high and four feet long. Small cooking fires are also permitted with charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood.

Burning ban applies May 14.

It is prohibited to burn pallets under the burning ban.

The ranger and soldier stopped the illegal assembly and ensured that the group cleaned all the pallets.