HARRISBURG, (PRNewswire) – With hunting and other outdoor activities increasing at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder
dry in just a few days, the state Bureau of Forestry is urging all residents to guard against wildfire outbreaks in Pennsylvania’s 17 million
acres of forestlands.
State officials noted Governor Edward G. Rendell’s proclamation of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, coincides with traditionally heightened autumn wildfire dangers in state woodlands, and the threat of dry conditions that can come almost overnight in many forested areas of Pennsylvania.
“Though we have had abundant rain across much of the state, a dry windy span of just a few days can again make forest wildfires a very real
threat,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “When forest fuels become dry in the fall, it takes only a careless moment to ignite a devastating forest fire.”
With archery deer hunting season and two small-game seasons opening this month, DiBerardinis urged hunters to be especially careful about
smoking amid dry vegetation. In an annual safeguard against wildfires, campfires and other open burning is again forbidden from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1
in all state forestlands.
DiBerardinis said the need to guard against wildfires increases each year as more development encroaches on heavily wooded tracts. Homeowners always should be diligent when burning trash and debris, he said.
“Even though the trees and vegetation appear green and healthy, they sometimes are really dry, and the reality is that many homes could be
destroyed by a wildfire,” said DiBerardinis, who noted debris burning and arson are the leading causes of wildfires throughout the state.
The Bureau of Forestry is working through state agencies and local fire companies to educate Pennsylvania citizens on procedures to make their
homes in forest environments safer from wildfires. Information can be obtained from the Bureau of Forestry, county Emergency Management Office, or the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.