The state Department of Environmental Conservation is extending the public comment period on its proposal to implement a statewide ban on open burning of all residential wastes.

The new deadline is now 5 p.m. Aug. 14, pushed back from July 10.

The DEC announced the proposed measure in May, saying it would reduce pollution and reduce wildfire risk. Currently, open burning is banned in cities and villages, and towns with populations above 20,000.

Exceptions to the statewide ban would include camp fires, prescribed burns, celebratory bonfires, fire training exercises, specialized burning to protect crops from frostbite and burning of certain agricultural wastes.

Comments can be mailed to: NYSDEC, Division of Air Resources, Attention: Robert Stanton, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-3254.