The state Department of Environmental Conservation has instituted a "very high" level of fire danger throughout the immediate area.

Current weather conditions of higher than normal temperatures and low relative humidity over the past few days has made the region vulnerable to fire, the DEC said, and therefore is advising residents to refrain from open burning until the area receives a plentiful amount of rain.

According to the DEC, dead grass and areas of light brush dry out within one to 10 hours of sun under these current conditions and ignite quickly. These fires can be volatile, fast moving and are difficult to control. Even light winds can lead to loss of control of a fire.

Until vegetation fully begins in mid-May, any similar drying period of one day or more can lead to these conditions.

This warning is effective for Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins counties.