MONTICELLO – With conditions dry enough that Sullivan County is under a Drought Watch, Fire Coordinator John Hauschild is emphasizing the fact that outdoor burning is incredibly dangerous.

“We’ve had minimal rain over the past few weeks, and vegetation has dried up due to the change in seasons. The smallest spark could easily set trees and brush aflame,” he explained. “I’m urging everyone to avoid open burning and the consequences that can come with it: callouts of local fire departments, damage to plants and properties, and injuries – including death.”

A Watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories (Watch, Warning, Emergency and Disaster). There are no Statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a Drought Watch, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.