With hunting and other outdoor activities increasing at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder dry in just a few days, DCNR is urging all residents to guard against wildfire outbreaks in Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of forestlands.

"Though we have had abundant rain across much of the state, a dry windy span of just a few days can again make forest wildfires a very real threat," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "When forest fuels become dry in the fall, it takes only a careless moment to ignite a devastating forest fire."

With archery deer hunting season and two small-game seasons opening this month, Secretary DiBerardinis urged hunters to be especially careful about smoking amid dry vegetation. In an annual safeguard against wildfires, campfires and other open burning is again forbidden from October 1 to December 1 in all state forestlands.

Secretary DiBerardinis said the need to guard against wildfires increases each year as more development encroaches on heavily wooded tracts. Homeowners always should be diligent when burning trash and debris, he said.

"Even though the trees and vegetation appear green and healthy, they sometimes are really dry, and the reality is that many homes could be destroyed by a wildfire," said DiBerardinis, who noted debris burning and arson are the leading causes of wildfires throughout the state.

The DCNR is working through state agencies and local fire companies to educate Pennsylvania citizens on procedures to make their homes in forest environments safer from wildfires. Information can be obtained from DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, county Emergency Management Office, or the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

For more information, visit DCNR’s Forest Fire Protection webpage.

10/13/2006