Despite heavy rain and flooding in parts of the state over the summer, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now urging residents to exercise caution when burning outdoors due to an increased wildfire risk. Recent dry conditions, combined with sunny days, unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity have elevated the risk of wildfires across the state.
According to the DCNR, human activity is responsible for 99 percent of wildfires in Pennsylvania, which can destroy thousands of acres of state and private woodlands annually. DCNR officials emphasized that wildfires require specific conditions to ignite: dry conditions, including low relative humidity; an available fuel source, such as dried grass or leaves; and an ignition source.
To mitigate these risks, officials advise taking precautions when lighting fires at home or at campsites. These precautions include keeping combustible items at least 10 feet away from fires, having a rake or shovel and water on hand to extinguish embers and checking DCNR’s website for elevated fire risk alerts.
The DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry recommends clearing the area around the fire site before lighting, keeping fires small and never leaving them unattended, and dousing the fire with water until all ashes are cold to the touch.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about wildfire prevention in Pennsylvania.
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.