HARRISBURG, PA — As the seasonal risk of wildfires increases, Pennsylvanians are being urged to exercise utmost caution. In a joint statement, Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook highlighted the imminent danger posed by forest fires and emphasized the need for public vigilance.
Adams Dunn warned that carelessness, such as lighting campfires or bonfires in dry forest conditions, could have disastrous consequences. She encouraged residents to be mindful when starting fires, stressing the importance of protecting lives, wildlife habitats, and natural resources.
Pennsylvania’s wildfire season typically peaks during the spring months of March, April, and May, and again in the fall months of October and November. Alarmingly, 99 percent of all wildfires in the state are human-caused, underscoring the critical role of public awareness and caution in preventing these destructive incidents.
A wildfire requires certain conditions to ignite and spread – a readily available fuel source like dried grass or leaves, dry weather conditions including low relative humidity, an ignition source, and windy weather that can accelerate the fire’s spread. Unfortunately, these conditions are all too common in Pennsylvania, leading to thousands of acres of state and private woodlands being ravaged by wildfires each year.
In the previous year alone, the state witnessed more than 1,900 wildfires that scorched 9,186 acres, led to 15 injuries, and tragically, three deaths. The most common causes of wildfires in Pennsylvania include debris burning, equipment use, power lines, and campfires.
Cook stressed the importance of taking necessary precautions and practicing fire safety, advising residents to be careful with all forms of outdoor open flames.
Factors such as light rainfall, lack of green foliage in the spring, low humidity, and sunny, windy days all contribute to an increased risk of forest and brush fires. The majority of these fires are traced back to human carelessness.
To prevent wildfires, residents are advised to clear a 10-foot radius around their fire from any combustible items. Having a rake or shovel and water on hand to suppress embers is also recommended. Furthermore, residents can check the DCNR’s website for updates on fire risk levels.
Additional preventive measures include checking the weather forecast for conditions that could support rapid fire spread, especially during a Red Flag Warning. Residents are advised against starting fires on such days. Before lighting a fire, it is essential to ensure that the area is not under a burn-ban, where outdoor fires are prohibited. Keeping the fire small and never leaving it unattended are also crucial steps in preventing wildfires.
Residents should also consider creating “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.
The DCNR’s website provides comprehensive information on wildfire safety. For more detailed information on wildfire prevention, as well as resources for kids and educators, residents can visit the Smokey Bear website.
In the face of escalating wildfire risks, it is imperative for every Pennsylvanian to act responsibly and do their part in preventing these destructive events. After all, preventing wildfires is not just the duty of firefighters or conservation officers – it’s a responsibility shared by all.
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