EMPORIUM – On March 19, the Bureau of Forestry, Elk State Forest held its annual fire warden training.
The primary purpose of a forest fire warden is to assist the Bureau of Forestry in the suppression and investigation of wildfires.
Wardens may also be appointed to assist the bureau in fire prevention, detection, and pre-suppression activities.
At this year’s training two forest fire wardens received awards for their years of service. Steve Dechant of Cameron County had 40 years of service, Edward Woods, also of Cameron County, had 20 years of service and Tom Asp of McKean County had 10 years of service.
Also, at this year’s training was the coveted Bronze Smokey Bear Award that was awarded in 2013 for Pennsylvania Wardens Helping in Prevention Program.
The Bronze Smokey Bear Award is presented for outstanding contributions to statewide wildfire prevention efforts. Representatives from the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service and The Advertising Council Inc., jointly select the annual Smokey Bear Award winners from the pool of nominated candidates.
The bureau would like to thank all of the current and retired forest fire wardens for their years of faithful service.
If you would like to contact the bureau, please call the District Office at 814-486-3353.
Or, you can visit online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/. Also, check out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elkstateforest.