PENFIELD – One-hundred years ago, Pennsylvania Forest Fire Wardens officially came into existence, according to Wayne Wynick, assistant district forester, Moshannon State Forest.
Wynick said it occurred at a time when wildfires were rampant across the state’s forestlands and the agency that became today’s Bureau of Forestry was given the responsibility for controlling those fires.
He said that Local Forest Fire Wardens became a part of that mandate and have a proud heritage of both wildfire suppression and wildfire prevention that have carried through to today.
“As the first organization of this type in the country, Pennsylvania’s leadership has resulted in other states following our example and creating similar programs to deal with their own wildfire concerns,” he said.
Wynick said to celebrate these proud 100 years, Forest Fire Wardens and representatives of the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry will be gathering at Hyner Run State Park on Saturday, June 20.
Registration is occurring at 10 a.m. with a program to follow at 11 a.m. There will be speakers, displays and a visit from “Smokey Bear.”
Those who wish can also travel to Hyner View State Park (by way of Hyner View Road only) to see the new kiosk that has been placed at the Forest Fire Warden Monument, which resides there.
