HARRISBURG, PA — In response to an alarming surge in wildfire incidents and the prevailing dry conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has issued a sweeping ban on campfires across all state park and forest lands. This decisive measure aims to mitigate the wildfire risk exacerbated by recent dry spells, unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity levels that are forecasted to persist.
The state has witnessed an unsettling rise in wildfire occurrences, with over 100 reported cases within the past week alone. These fires have not only compromised thousands of acres of state and private woodlands but have also resulted in injuries to volunteer firefighters, further straining state and local emergency resources.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the combination of natural debris and dry conditions creates a perilous scenario conducive to wildfires. “Leaf litter, fine twigs, and dried branches are prime fuel sources for a fire that could get out of control,” Dunn stated, urging residents to refrain from any outdoor burning activities.
In line with the campfire prohibition, the DCNR has also suspended all prescribed burns indefinitely. Visitors with overnight reservations at state parks and forests are being informed of the campfire restrictions until the conditions improve.
The wildfire crisis is predominantly fueled by human activities, which account for 99 percent of wildfires in Pennsylvania. State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook stressed the importance of fire prevention, noting that “careless burning outdoors can put our firefighters’ lives at risk.” He appealed to the public to avoid open burning practices during this critical period.
The potential for wildfires is contingent on several factors, including the availability of dry fuel sources, arid conditions, and an ignition trigger. Given these elements, residents are urged to remain vigilant about weather updates and adhere to local burn bans, as emphasized by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield. “Wildfires can start quickly and rapidly grow, especially when conditions are dry,” Padfield warned, advising everyone to have contingency plans in place should evacuation orders be issued.
The DCNR’s current stance reflects an urgent need to protect both the environment and the individuals risking their lives to combat wildfires. As the state navigates these challenging conditions, adherence to fire safety guidelines remains paramount to safeguarding Pennsylvania’s natural resources and communities.
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