Wildfires in
Pennsylvania
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Wildfire is defined as…
any unwanted fire that burns fields, grass, brush
or forests.
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Wildfires affect…
Wildlife
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Wildfires affect…
Watersheds
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Wildfires affect…
Forests and Plants
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Wildfires affect…
Personal Property
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When is Pennsylvania’s wildfire
season?
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
2000-2009
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Number of Acres Burned
2000-2009
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
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When are Western wildfires?
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Western Wildfire Season
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Why are PA fires predominately in
spring and fall?
•
•
•
•
Direct sunlight
Dry winds
Leaves
Logs and fallen
limbs
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Wildfire Behavior Triangle
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Fuels
•
•
•
•
•
Grass
Leaves
Pine needles
Twigs
Branches and
logs
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Weather
•
•
•
•
Relative humidity
Temperature
Wind
Precipitation
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Greatest Wildfire Risk
12
11
1
2
10
9
3
4
8
7
5
6
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Topography
Slope
Aspect
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Seasonal Transitions
• Spring: South to North
• Fall: North to South
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Spring – Mid May
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Spring – Mid-late May
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Spring – Early June
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Fall – Mid October
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Fall – Late October
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Fall – Early November
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Wildfire causes:
Incendiary
(Arson)
28%
Unknown
14%
Other includes:
• Camp fires (5%)
• Railroads (3%)
Other
14%
• Lightning (2%)
• Children (2%)
• Smoking (2%)
Debris
Burning
35%
Equipment
Use
9%
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Wildfire suppression can be costly!
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Wildfire suppression can be costly!
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Wildfire suppression can be costly!
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Safe Debris Burning
Screen
Metal
container
Hose & rake
½ inch holes
at base
Grass & area cleared
10 feet around barrel
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Alternatives to Debris Burning
•
•
•
•
Recycling
Mulching/chipping
Wildlife habitat
Composting
http://www2.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/departments/recycle/basics.html
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Alternatives to Campfires
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Prevention Message
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For more information, contact:
• DCNR Bureau of
Forestry
• Local Forest Fire
Warden
• Local Fire
Company
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
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