A state of emergency was declared Sunday afternoon by Shawangunk Town Supervisor John Valk due to drought and the increased chance of wildfires. It will remain in effect until 3 p.m. on September 28.

There will be a town wide burning ban on outside fires, including fire pits, chimneys, brush burning, campfires and trash burning. Residents will be permitted to cook on a contained gas or charcoal-style grill.

Meanwhile, Supervisor Charles Carnes has declared a burning ban in the Town of Crawford. No fires of any type are permitted, with the exception of small tended campfires with a containment perimeter around them. Town officials hope to lift this ban as soon as conditions approve.