close

Be Local means exercising caution to prevent wildfires

By Frances Borsodi Zajac fzajac@heraldstandard.Com 5 min read

The calendar may say spring, but the local landscape still contains plenty of winter brown as this year’s green foliage begins to grow.

That means conditions are ripe for wildfires, named for their rapid spread through dormant, dry vegetation under windy conditions, explained the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in a recent news release.

Be Local means exercising caution to prevent wildfires, which can be a danger to area woodlands and communities.

“This time of year – if we have average weather conditions – until the vegetation begins to grow, we’re in a vulnerable state,” said Brian Vinski, forest fire specialist supervisor with Forbes State Forest. “In a 12-month cycle, from mid-March to mid-May, we’re at the highest risk for wildfires.”

Vinski, whose office covers Fayette, Greene, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, noted dry conditions exist in the spring as the forest canopy grows as well as fall when the canopy is lost.

“The risk escalates,” Vinski said.

Human carelessness continued to lead the list for causes of Pennsylvania wildfires in 2018 when 690 wildfires, ranging from less than one acre in size to almost 690 acres, were reported, DCNR noted.

While the 1,843 acres consumed during a year of high rainfall were well below the 10-year average of 4,000 acres, people still need to be on guard.

“Because of seemingly endless rainy periods, Pennsylvania’s 2018 wildfire season was relatively short-lived in the spring, but conditions can change almost overnight,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn cautioned in the release. “Lack of foliage, strong sun and drying winds all cause fire danger in our woodlands to spike rapidly.”

Vinski explained there are a number of ways in which people can take precautions.

“The first thing to know is what your local open burning ordinances are,” Vinski said. “Some are one or two days a week and you must adhere to certain hours.”

Regardless of the days or time, Vinski emphasized, “Do not burn on windy days. That’s probably the biggest problem we have. It might be a nice day but if there are 10 to 15 mile per hour sustained winds, the high winds can send debris into adjacent woods or grass. The winds will carry embers when you have at-risk conditions.”

People who burn debris should have a fire area or pit that is not against a wood line, Vinski said.

“Put a firebreak around it with rocks or bricks – some barrier so the fire will stay within,” said Vinski. “Some will use a burning barrel, which is helpful.”

Vinski advised having tools, such as a shovel or rake, nearby to extinguish the fire.

“And depending on far it is from the house, have a water hose ready if you need it,” Vinski said.

The Red Cross offers advice on its website to keep wildfires from spreading near homes, including pruning trees and removing dead branches; mowing grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4 inches high; and removing dead and dry plants that could fuel a fire as well as fallen leaves, pine cones, and other dry plant material.

Anyone who likes a fire pit or camp fire needs to exercise caution.

DCNR explained in its press release, “Anglers, campers, and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on state forestland from March 1 to May 25, and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or extreme, unless authorized by district foresters.”

National Geographic, on its website, also offers advice on wildfires, including:

“Contact 911, your local fire department, or the park service if you notice an unattended or out-of-control fire.

“Never leave a fire unattended. Completely extinguish the fire-by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until cold-before sleeping or leaving the campsite.

“When camping, take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves, and heaters. Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling. Avoid spilling flammable liquids and store fuel away from appliances.

“Do not discard cigarettes, matches, and smoking materials from moving vehicles, or anywhere on park grounds. Be certain to completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.”

DCNR noted, “Communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention and suppression methods of the Pennsylvania Firewise Community Program to safeguard life and property.”

DCNR said its Bureau of Forestry is responsible for prevention and suppression of wildfires on the 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments.

For more information, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov. Then click on “Communities” at the top of the page and select “Wildfire” from a drop-down menu.

Wildfires threaten the woods, their creatures and communities. This spring, be careful and be cautious.

Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 32 Church St., Waynesburg.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today