Campfires are now banned in Pennsylvania state parks and forestlands as extremely dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Tuesday that the ban is in effect until further notice.
While Pennsylvania experienced heavy rains and flooding this past summer, recent dry conditions, along with sunny days, unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity, have increased the risk of wildfires, officials said. The 10-day forecast for most of the state predicts little or no precipitation, worsening the already elevated situation, they said.
Officials said 100 wildfires have been reported in the state in the past week, and many more remain unreported. Several volunteer firefighters were injured in fires this weekend, and the ongoing wildfires have strained state and local resources, officials said.
“Leaf litter, fine twigs and dried branches are the main fuel sources for a fire that could get out of control – combined with our current dry conditions, we have a potential recipe for disaster,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, department secretary. edition. “I encourage Pennsylvanians to avoid fires on all lands because it is the best way to protect the people who are putting their lives at risk and protect our Commonwealth from wildfires.”
The department has suspended prescribed burns until further notice. Visitors to state parks and forests with overnight stays are notified of the ban.
Officials said human activity causes 99% of the state’s wildfires, leading to the destruction of thousands of acres of state and private forests each year.
Berks County commissioners issued a countywide ban on outdoor burning that went into effect Saturday evening and will remain in effect for the next 30 days.
Open burning is defined as the outdoor lighting and subsequent burning of any combustible material, including waste, leaves, twigs, wood, litter, paper, vegetative material and other waste, either in a fire barrel, a backyard fire pit or on the ground.
The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills and tobacco in any form is not covered by this ban.
The provincial ban excludes agricultural or agriculture-related business activities.
County officials noted at the time that the state could take action that would have a broader impact on operations than the county ban.
“Practicing outdoor fire prevention is absolutely critical during these dry conditions,” said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Careless outdoor burning can endanger the lives of our firefighters across the Commonwealth, so please avoid open burning anywhere at this time.”
According to government officials, Berks falls into the high fire danger category.
