PA Environment Digest

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DCNR: Wildfire Vigilance Especially Needed During Spring Season

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources statistics show nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s wildfires occur in March, April, and May, before greening of state woodlands and brushy areas.

Warming temperatures, dry air, and strong winds also contribute to an increase the wildfire danger in the spring.

In 2019, human carelessness with outdoor fires continued to lead the list of causes of wildfires across the state. Escaped fires from people burning debris is frequently the leading cause of wildfires each year.

Fighting wildfires is dangerous to both citizens and first responders. Related injuries would add challenges to already taxed first-responders and medical facilities; and take them away from being able to deal with other emergencies.

Amid COVID-19 precautions and staffing restraints, DCNR’s wildfire fighting force is ready to meet any wildfire threats in the days ahead, but the help of all Pennsylvanians is needed.

Property owners, anglers, hunters, and others are urged to observe wildfire prevention vigilance throughout the state.

Please be careful with fire this spring!

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.

While DCNR has furloughed more than 700 wage employees during the COVID-19 emergency, 157 wage employees will remain or are being brought back to work to assist during the spring wildfire season. These staff are trained to prepare equipment and respond to and put out wildfires across the state.

BUT…. don’t add to the issues our volunteer first responders and healthcare facilities have to deal with by being careless with fire.

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.

(Reprinted-- mostly-- from the April 1 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

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