BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The drought is far from over, but enough rain has fallen to boost the confidence of state officials when it comes to outdoor fires.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on Friday lifted its ban on campfires in Pennsylvania state parks and on forest lands.
The recent wet weather has sufficiently reduced fire risks, a release said, though people are encouraged to be careful when burning outdoors.
“Based on recent weather and forest conditions, and with rain and snow forecasted, DCNR is allowing campfires to resume in designated areas across state parks and forest lands,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in the release.
“Although fire danger is expected to be low in the near future, we remind everyone to remain vigilant when handling fire outdoors,” she said.
Where campfires are permitted
Officials said campfires are now permitted in fire rings that confine and contain any fire in designated camping areas.
In state parks, staff and resources are available for quick response in the event a fire spreads, the release said.
In state forests, campfires are allowed in accordance with State Forest Rules and Regulations (which can be read in full below).
According to the DCNR, all fires are prohibited except in accordance with those rules and regulations, which specifically address use of gas grills and camp stoves, charcoal fires and the use of fire rings, specifically.
Failure to attend to any fire, and/or leaving a fire that has not been completely extinguished is prohibited, regulations state. Any person deemed to have caused a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for damages, costs of extinction and fines.
State Forest Rules by LehighValley Newsdotcom on Scribd
Safety reminders
The DCNR offered the following fire safety tips to help prevent wildfires year-round:
- Keep fires small and contained within designated fire rings
- Properly discard matches and other fire starters
- Always have water, a shovel, and a bucket nearby
- Never leave a campfire unattended
- Ensure all wood and coals are fully burned to ash
- Extinguish campfires completely – if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave
Pennsylvania experienced hundreds of reported wildfires in recent weeks, the DCNR said, underscoring the importance of continued fire safety even as the danger subsides.
The “Gap Fire” that burned on Blue Mountain in early November consumed nearly 600 acres before it was contained.
Officials said it was the largest brush fire in that area in more than two decades.
People are encouraged to check the DCNR's Wildfire Danger Forecast Map before burning on state lands or within their communities.
