Department of Conservation and Natural Resources statistics show nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s wildfires occur in March, April, and May, before the greening of state woodlands and brushy areas.
In 2019, DCNR reported 536 wildfires burned 688 acres, destroyed 14 structures, caused three injuries, but thankfully no fatalities.
Human carelessness with outdoor fires continued to lead the list of causes of wildfires across the state. Burning debris, in particular, is the leading cause of those fires.
Property owners, anglers, hunters, visitors to recreation and forest areas and communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention vigilance throughout the state.
Let’s not add to the issues our volunteer first responders and health care facilities have to deal with by being careless with fire.
Click Here for tips on how to prevent wildfires.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry is responsible for prevention and suppression of wildfires on the 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest advances in fire prevention and suppression.
For more on wildfires, visit DCNR’s Wildfire webpage or call the Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
[Posted: March 26, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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