Officials from the DCNR Bureau Of Forestry are seeking the public's help in their investigation of suspicious wildfires that scorched dozens of acres in Luzerne County in early April.

A reward of $1,500 is being offered by the Bureau of Forestry for information leading to an arrest in what investigators have labeled arson after a series of several wildfires occurred in Newport and Hanover Townships, Luzerne County outside the village of Nanticoke on the evening of April 3, 2019.

Investigators believe that at the time the fires were intentionally set, the entire eastern portions of Pennsylvania were covered by a Red Flag Warning.

“Circumstances around all of these fires have led us to the conclusion that the fires have been intentionally set. Some of the fires have put public and firefighter lives and property at risk, which is of great concern,” said Michael Kern, chief of the bureau’s Division of Forest Fire Protection. “Intentionally setting a wildfire is arson and we take that very seriously. We are asking for anyone who may have information to come forward.”

Information can be forwarded to bureau Special Investigator Terry Smith, 717-362-1472 or send email to: terrsmith@pa.gov.  Anonymous tips also will be accepted but do not qualify for the reward.

Visit DCNR’s Wildfire webpage for more information on reporting and preventing wildfires in Pennsylvania.

NewsClips:

Reward Offered For Information On Suspicious Wildfires

DCNR Offers Reward For Suspicious Wildfires In Luzerne County

DCNR Probes Wildfires Around Nanticoke, Luzerne County

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[Posted: May 6, 2019]

5/13/2019