DCNR, Game Commission Prohibit Fires on State Lands

Due to the continuing extremely dry conditions, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is prohibiting all burning, including campfires, on state park and forest lands until further notice. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is also prohibiting all fires on state game lands. 

According to DCNR, Pennsylvania has experienced 100 reported wildfires in the past week, with many more unreported. Several volunteer firefighters were injured in blazes this weekend. DCNR’s Wildfire Danger Forecast Map currently shows most counties at high risk for wildfire this week. More than a dozen counties have declared burn bans as of yesterday, with the list available here. 

“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,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “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.”