The Goshen Fire Department said crews responded to a large brush fire Thursday afternoon.

The department said the fire spread approximately five to six acres and lasted about four hours.

The fire happened one day before the state's annual ban on residential brush burning began.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says the drier and warmer winter is putting a greater risk for wildfires this spring.

The department says anyone who violates the ban faces a hefty fine of $500 for their first offense.

The burn ban continues through May 14.