HARRISBURG — The abundant sunshine and warm temperatures that are forecast this weekend are luring many into the state’s forests, prompting the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to warn citizens of the heightened risk of wildfires.
“With the weekend wildfire danger expected to spike as the weather turns warm and dry, our Bureau of Forestry is bracing for what could be another very busy weekend,” said acting DCNR Secretary John H. Quigley. “We are asking people to be especially cautious as they hunt, fish, hike and enjoy the outdoors.”
Campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are forbidden in state forestlands March 1 through May 25, and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or extreme.
Quigley noted woodlands quickly could become tinder dry at a time when anglers and hunters are out fishing for trout or hunting for spring gobblers. Also, warm weather brings out gardeners and other landowners who often burn to clear their land of garden waste, leaves and storm debris.
“Although we have had rain in recent days, it’s very important to remember a little rain does not completely eliminate the threat of wildfires at this time of the year,” said Quigley.
Bureau of Forestry records show that more than 370 wildfires have already been reported across the state this spring, burning more than 1,500 acres. The most severe included an April 18 fire that burned 300 acres in Blair County, and another blaze the same day that destroyed two cabins in Centre County.
“We know people are responsible for causing 98 percent of Pennsylvania’s wildfires and a mere spark can start a devastating and, possibly, deadly forest blaze,” Quigley said. “Forests are a renewable resource, but they quickly can be endangered by acts of carelessness.”
Lack of green foliage in the early spring, combined with scant rainfall and sunny, windy days rapidly increases chances of forest and brush fires, Quigley said.
Nearly 10,000 acres of forestland in the state are burned by wildfires each year and nearly 85 percent of all fires in Pennsylvania woodlands occur during the months of March, April and May.
Wildfires are so named for their rapid spread through bare vegetation when dry, windy conditions prevail. They are especially troublesome in the spring when wind, dry weather, direct sunlight through bare trees, and abundant dead undergrowth all can lead to rapid fire spread.
State forestry officials urge landowners to recycle, if possible, and if they must burn, to use extreme caution with trash and debris fires—one of the most common causes of wildfires—and obey local open-burning bans.
Residents are advised to create “safe zones” around homes and cabins by removing leaves and other debris from the ground and rain gutters; stacking firewood away from structures; and trimming overhanging branches.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry is responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires on Pennsylvania’s17 million acres of private and state woodlands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest advances in fire prevention and suppression.
For more information, call the Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925 or visit here (select “Forestry” then “Forest Fire Protection”).