HARRISBURG, PA — In response to escalating wildfire risks driven by unusually dry conditions across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced an indefinite ban on the building of fires on state game lands. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential wildfire threats at a critical time of increased outdoor activity during hunting season.
Traditionally, while camping is not permitted on state game lands, visitors have been allowed to construct small fires for cooking or warmth. However, the Game Commission’s regulations empower the executive director to impose restrictions on such activities when there is a heightened risk of forest fires. With the current dry spell, this precautionary ban underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding both wildlife habitats and public safety.
“Taking this one, small step now to address wildfire risk could prevent a larger problem as we get deeper into the heart of hunting season,” stated Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Game Commission. “Doing what we can to protect wildlife habitat in what might be a hunter’s favorite spot benefits both, and might make all the difference.”
The Game Commission’s decision aligns with broader statewide efforts to address the dangerous dryness affecting much of the region. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has similarly imposed a ban on campfires in state parks and forests and has halted prescribed burns, which are ordinarily used to maintain and improve wildlife habitats. These prescribed burns, typically conducted in the spring and fall, have been temporarily suspended on state game lands as well.
Scott Bearer, Chief Land Manager for the Game Commission, emphasized the importance of timing for prescribed fires. “While the Game Commission recognizes the value of prescribed fires under the right conditions, that time is clearly not now,” Bearer remarked, highlighting the potential risks associated with conducting burns amid prevailing dry conditions.
The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force has reported drought conditions in 35 of the state’s 67 counties, with the state experiencing over 100 wildfires in the past week alone. These fires have not only damaged natural resources but have also led to injuries among volunteer firefighters and taxed both state and local firefighting capabilities. In response, nearly 50 Game Commission personnel, trained in fire management, have been actively engaged in efforts to suppress fires and protect structures, collaborating closely with the DCNR and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
This temporary prohibition on fires underlines the urgency with which Pennsylvania is addressing the threat of wildfires, prioritizing both ecological preservation and community safety. As conditions evolve, the Game Commission remains committed to reassessing and adjusting its policies to effectively manage these challenges.
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