With temperatures reaching into the 80s, creating the perfect conditions for wildfires across the region, area officials caution against burning outdoors.
In fact, Bureau of Forestry officials say that fire danger has been rising and may escalate.
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service in State College issued a red flag warning for McKean, Elk and Cameron counties that lasted until 9 p.m.
“Conditions are very dry,” said Peter To, forest fire management officer with the U.S. Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest. “Most fires are human caused and typical cause of fire comes from escaped, unattended campfires, debris or leaf burning or from downed power lines.”
In the past 48 hours, he said several wildfires have been reported in and around forests.
On Wednesday alone multiple agencies responded to a number of fires around the surrounding area, including District 15, a division of men from several volunteer fire departments.
Tim Crissman and Larry Smith led a group of 10 men of District 15 to Renovo, Clinton County, Wednesday to battle an approximately 500-acre blaze. Firefighters included men from the Rew, Bradford Township and Lewis Run volunteer fire departments.
As of Wednesday night, Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse said the blaze was still burning.
One hour later, Dan and Tim Burkhouse led a crew of six men of District 15 out of the Custer City station to a wildfire in Sheffield, Warren County, which burned a total of 31 acres and is contained and under control.
Lafayette Township assisted in this blaze by standing by to refill a small air tanker for its multiple drops. Volunteers from Bradford Township and Port Allegany fire departments assisted in extinguishing the blaze.
Meanwhile, Crystal Fire Department of St. Marys battled a large brush fire reported behind the renal care center at Penn Highlands Elk. The fire reportedly spread over a large area between routes 255 and 120. Multiple agencies responded on scene with a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources airtanker.
Later Wednesday, a representative of Penn Highlands Healthcare said, “The brush fire near Pinecrest Manor and the campus of Penn Highlands Elk is under control. All of our residents and staff are safe. No evacuation out of the buildings was necessary.”
Andrew Johnson, director of theMcKean County Department of Emergency Servicessaid that “this year has been a very active wildfire season, even more so than last, for McKean County. The number of wildfires has been above average with nearly 20 in McKean County alone and an exponentially large amount around the region.”
Thus far this season, Elk State Forest personnel have responded to five fires, while wildfire numbers and acreages are about average for the Elk State Forest, said Jeanne M. Wambaugh, district forester with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“Spring is normally the season with the most fire danger concerns because there are no leaves on the trees and shrubs to absorb the sun’s heat and therefore it is transmitted to the forest floor,” Elk District officials said in a statement. “The leaves and other vegetation dry and are very susceptible to ignition from sources like lightning, sparks from equipment and campfires. Windy days also dry out the vegetation and can rapidly spread fires.”
To said that visitors should extinguish campfires, not leave them unattended, and keep informed on weather, particularly strong winds.
“We’re in spring fire season. Spring fire season is delayed to the cold wet spring that NW PA has been experiencing,” To said.
The Bureau of Forestry officials also said that people should be careful with fire.
“Whether you are burning your trash or your yard debris, please take the time think before you strike the match,” Bureau of Forestry officials said. “First consider if it is too warm, dry or windy to burn, is the surrounding area free of leaves and other combustibles, is there a ready source of water (bucket or hose) and a rake to extinguish any embers that might escape and is someone going to watch the fire until it is dead out?”
Bureau of Forestry officials also remind people to check Smokey Bear fire danger rating signs throughout the area.
“Remember, we need your help to reduce the number of fires and the damage they can cause,” official said. “People burning debris start most forest fires and it only takes one spark to start a fire. But, with your help, we can protect our private lands as well as state forests lands from forest fires.”
Johnson encourages, “on days with red flag warnings do not burn anything outside. In fact, with the rain expected (Wednesday evening) the flag warning may even be lowered. However, I still believe it too dangerous to have any outdoor fires.”
People should also should not dispose of cigarette butts on the ground or outside of a car, according to the weather service.
