SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WENY) -- Despite the region being turned into a winter wonderland today, local fire departments are reminding people that doesn't mean the burn ban that is currently in effect in the empire state has been lifted.

"The area has received less than two inches of rain in the month of October. With such dry conditions, a stray spark or ember can easily ignite surrounding foliage and even the smallest fire can grow out of control," the Corning Joint Fire District remarked in a statement on November 17th.

Much of New York State has received significantly less precipitation than anticipated over the last several weeks. The Downstate Region has already seen the largest wildfire to hit New York in over a decade.

As a result, the New York State Government put a burn ban in effect which remains in place until November 30th. Fires permitted during the ban include backyard fire pits and controllable fires less than three feet in height.