Campfires are now prohibited in Pennsylvania state park and forest lands because the extremely dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Tuesday that the ban is in place until further notice.
While Pennsylvania saw heavy rain and flooding over the summer, recent dry conditions, along with sunny days, unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity, have heightened the wildfire risk, officials said. The 10-day forecast for most of the state predicts little or no precipitation, worsening the already heightened situation, they said.
Officials said 100 wildfires have been reported in the state in the past week, with many more unreported. Several volunteer firefighters were injured in blazes this weekend, and the ongoing wildfires have strained state and local resources, officials said.
“Leaf litter, fine twigs and dried branches are prime fuel sources for a fire that could get out of control — when mixed with our current dry conditions, we have a potential recipe for disaster,” Cindy Adams Dunn, department secretary, said in a release. “I encourage Pennsylvanians to avoid burning on all lands, as it is the best way to protect the people putting their lives in danger to keep our commonwealth safe from wildfires.”
The department has stopped prescribed burns until further notice. State park and forest visitors with overnight reservations are being notified of the ban.
Officials said human activity causes 99% percent of wildfires in the state, leading to the destruction of thousands of acres of state and private woodlands each year.
The Berks County commissioners issued a ban on outdoor burning throughout the county that began Saturday evening and will remain in effect for the next 30 days.
Open burning is defined as the outdoor ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material, including garbage, leaves, twigs, wood, litter, paper, vegetative matter and other debris, either in a burn barrel, backyard fire pit or on the ground.
The use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills and tobacco in any form is not affected by this ban.
The county ban excludes agricultural or agricultural-related business operations.
County officials noted at the time that the state could take action that would have a broader impact on activities than the county ban does.
“Practicing fire prevention outdoors is absolutely critical during these dry conditions,” State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “Careless burning outdoors can put our firefighters lives at risk all across the Commonwealth, so please avoid any open burning anywhere at this time.”
Berks is listed in the high category of fire danger, according to state officials.
