Guest Essay: Pennsylvania Firefighters Rise To The Challenge As Wildfires Spark Across Pennsylvania

By Seth Cassell, PA State Forester & Thomas Cook, State Fire Commissioner

This guest essay first appeared in the Erie Times on November 27, 2024--

This year alone, Pennsylvania has suffered two tragic deaths, more than 40 injuries, and the loss or damage of dozens of buildings due to wildfires. 

The volunteer firefighter, the civilian lending a helping hand to a neighbor, and the loss of forestland and property are not just numbers — they represent families forever changed and communities left to rebuild.

When we think of Pennsylvania's response to wildfires, images of brave men and women traveling to fight blazes out west often come to mind. 

While it's true that our Commonwealth firefighters step up to assist other states, that same dedication is on full display right here at home. 

This fall — as wildfires raged across Pennsylvania — our firefighters rose to meet the challenge, protecting our forests, homes, and communities.

Nearly 700 wildfires have burned more than 2,000 acres across Pennsylvania this fall, with over 550 of these fires igniting in October and November alone. 

To put this in perspective, our spring fire season — a time typically associated with the highest wildfire activity — saw 644 wildfires burning 766 acres in total.

Climate change and fires

The reason for this shift is clear: climate change is extending our fire danger season. Drought conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and the fallen leaves of autumn create perfect conditions for fires to spark and spread. 

In the past two years, wildfires have occurred as early as February and as late as November, signaling an urgent need for vigilance year-round.

Pennsylvania's wildland firefighters — whether from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), local volunteer fire companies, or other agencies — are unsung heroes. 

This fall, they have battled blazes under challenging conditions, sometimes risking their own safety to protect ours.

This work goes beyond suppression. Firefighters help to manage controlled burns, protect ecosystems, and educate the public on fire prevention. 

These efforts are supported by incredible community generosity, from donated supplies to heartfelt thank-you cards from schoolchildren. 

Such support reminds us of what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.

Here's a sobering fact: 99% of all wildfires in Pennsylvania are caused by human activity, most commonly debris burning. 

Preventing wildfires isn't just the responsibility of firefighters — it's something every Pennsylvanian can contribute to.

You can help fight fires

When you enjoy time outdoors, remember these critical tips--

-- Never leave a fire unattended, even in designated campfire areas.

-- Avoid debris burning during dry or windy conditions.

-- Check local fire danger levels and regulations before burning.

-- Teach children the importance of fire safety.

Smokey Bear's iconic message remains as relevant as ever: Only YOU can prevent wildfires. 

This simple but powerful reminder can save lives, protect property, and preserve Pennsylvania's natural beauty.

Wildfires are not just a Pennsylvania problem — they are a global challenge. 

The skies darkened by Canadian wildfire smoke earlier this year were a stark reminder that what happens elsewhere can impact us here. 

This underscores the need for proactive measures.

DCNR is committed to strengthening Pennsylvania's ability to prevent and manage wildfires. 

From enhancing fire monitoring and response systems to collaborating with federal and local partners, we are working to address this growing threat. 

But government efforts alone are not enough. 

Public awareness and action are critical to reducing the risks and impacts of wildfires.

As we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our wildland firefighters. 

Their courage, skill, and dedication are unparalleled, and Pennsylvania is safer because of their work.

To every Pennsylvanian: Thank you for supporting these efforts, whether by preventing wildfires or by offering encouragement to those on the front lines. 

Together, we can rise to this challenge and ensure that our forests, communities, and future generations are protected.

[For more information on wildfire prevention, wildfire forecasts, burn bans and how to get involved, visit DCNR’s Wildfires webpage.]

Seth Cassell is the Pennsylvania State Forester and Thomas Cook is the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner.

NewsClips - Drought:

-- WHYY: Recent Rainfall Not Enough To Pull Philly Region Out Of Drought, Climatologists Say

-- AP: Drought Is Causing Saltwater To Creep Up The Delaware River, Here’s What’s Being Done About It 

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Dried Waterways Stun Residents, Leave Fish Stranded, Hurt Outdoor Tourism From Lehigh Valley, To Philly, New Jersey’s Pinelands 

--  TribLive: Drought To Blame For Murky Latrobe Water, Authority Says; It Remains Safe To Drink

-- Post-Gazette: Drought-Like Weather Helped PennDOT’s 2024 Construction Season In Western PA

-- Scranton Times: Lackawanna County Burn Ban Remains In Effect Despite Recent Snow

-- AP: Record Dryness In US Northeast Should Change Water Behavior, Experts Say

[Posted: November 28, 2024]  PA Environment Digest