Gov. Tom Wolf Friday proclaimed March 15-21 as Wildfire Prevention Week in Pennsylvania, noting drying March winds and warming temperatures quickly can combine to increase fire dangers across Pennsylvania's forests and brush lands.

"Despite recent wet weather and snow still covering some of our state woodlands, it just takes a few days of sun and wind to show how quickly brush and forest fires can develop," Gov. Wolf said. "A mere spark or careless action can touch off a devastating forest blaze during dry periods when conditions enable wildfires to spread quickly. Pennsylvanians can prevent wildfires by properly starting and extinguishing campfires, avoiding discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials, and following local ordinances when burning yard waste."

"Common sense can limit the threat of wildfires," Acting Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Adams Dunn said. "When state residents and forest visitors are careless with burning trash, campfires and smoking, volunteer firefighters often pay the price by answering call after call in spring woodlands that are ripe for damaging, life-threatening wildfires."

DCNR statistics show nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania's wildfires occur in March, April and May, before the greening of state woodlands and brushy areas. Named for rapid spread through dormant, dry vegetation, under windy conditions, wildfires annually scorch nearly 7,000 acres of state and private woodlands.

Anglers, campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on state forestland from March 1 to May 25, and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or extreme, unless authorized by district foresters.

Communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention and suppression methods of the Pennsylvania Firewise Community Program to safeguard life and property.

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 information on Wildfire Prevention Week activities, contact local district foresters; call DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925; or visit DCNR’s Wildland Fire webpage.

3/16/2015