HARRISBURG – With warming temperatures and spring winds increasing fire dangers across Pennsylvania, Gov. Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed March 14-20 as Wildfire Prevention Week and urged residents to be extra vigilant.
Nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s wildfires occur in March, April and May before the greening of state woodlands and brush lands.
“Although March weather can be very wet, it can also be very windy – and those winds can quickly create tinderbox conditions in our wooded areas,” said Rendell. “People are the cause of 98 percent of all wildfires. A mere spark by a careless person can touch off a devastating forest blaze.”
“When people are careless with smoking materials or open burning, volunteer firefighters often must risk their lives to battle the resulting wildfires,” he added. “Using a little common sense can significantly help to protect lives and property.”
Wildfires annually scorch nearly 10,000 acres of state and private woodlands.
Anglers, campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on state forestland from March 1 to May 25 and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high or extreme, unless authorized by district foresters.
Communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention and suppression methods outlined by the Pennsylvania Firewise Community Program.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry is responsible for preventing and suppressing wildfires on the state’s 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest techniques.
For more information on Wildfire Prevention Week activities, contact local district foresters; call the Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925; or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select “Forestry,” and then “Forest Fire Protection”).