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

"Though we have had much-needed rain across most of the state recently, a dry, windy span of just a few days can quickly make forest wildfires a very real threat," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "It takes only a careless moment to ignite a devastating forest fire."

With the recent start of archery deer hunting season, and two small-game seasons opening this month, DiBerardinis urged hunters to avoid smoking amid dry vegetation. To safeguard against wildfires, campfires and other open burning are 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 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 Secretary DiBerardinis, who said debris burning and arson are the leading causes of wildfires throughout the state.

For details on wildfire prevention, visit DCNR’s Forest Fire Protection webpage.

10/12/2007