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DCNR Urges Caution To Prevent Wildfires Amid Increased Risk Due To Dry Conditions

On October 25, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources urged Pennsylvanians to exercise caution when burning outdoors to prevent wildfires.

While Pennsylvania saw heavy rain and flooding from summer hurricanes, recent dry conditions, paired with sunny days, unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity, have heightened wildfire risk.

Human activity causes 99 percent of wildfires in Pennsylvania, leading to the destruction of thousands of acres of state and private woodlands each year.

Wildfires require specific conditions to ignite:

-- An available fuel source, like dried grass or leaves

-- Dry conditions, including low relative humidity

-- An ignition source – a way for the fire to start

DCNR advises those lighting fires at home or campsites to keep combustible items at least 10 feet away. A rake or shovel, along with water, should be readily available to fully extinguish embers.

Officials also recommend checking DCNR's website for elevated fire risk alerts.

DCNR's Bureau of Forestry offers the following safety tips:

-- Clear the area around the fire site before lighting.

-- Keep fires small and never leave them unattended.

-- Consider the conditions: avoid starting fires if it's warm, dry, or windy, and clear the surrounding area of leaves and other combustibles.

-- Keep a water source (bucket or hose) and rake nearby to control any escaping embers.

-- When finished, douse the fire with water until all ashes are cold to the touch.

Remember, a single spark can ignite a wildfire, risking your safety and that of others. As Smokey Bear says, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!"

Visit DCNR's Wildfire webpage for more information.

Visit DEP’s Drought Information webpage for information on drought conditions.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, 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.

NewsClips - Wildfires/Drought:

-- Reading Eagle: Berks Fire Officials Warn Against Outdoor Burning: It’s Bone-Dry And Getting Drier

-- Republican Herald: No Open Burning Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

-- WNEP: Hazleton Drought Contingency Plan In Effect Until Further Notice; Customers Being Asked To Conserve Water

-- Republican Herald: Schuylkill Haven Issues Voluntary Water Conservation Notice

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Backyard Fire Pit, Campfires Banned In NJ As ‘Some Of The Driest Conditions Ever’ Spread Across The State

-- DCNR Forecast Wildfire Danger HIGH In Most Of PA For Wednesday, Oct. 23

-- DCNR Wildfire Danger Forecast MODERATE For Most Of PA On Oct. 24

-- DCNR Wildfire Forecast More HIGH Risk Areas Friday, Oct. 25

-- DCNR Wildfire Risk Forecast Has Half Of PA At HIGH For Saturday, Oct. 26

-- DCNR Wildfire Forecast Has More Than Half PA At High Risk Sunday, Oct. 27

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