Central Pennsylvania has imposed a burn ban in an effort to protect life, property, and natural resources from wildfires. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), 98% of wildfires in the state are a direct result of human actions, which not only endanger lives but also tie up emergency responders and apparatus that could be used for other emergencies.
The burn ban applies to open burning, defined as the ignition and subsequent burning of any combustible material out-of-doors, either in a burn barrel or on the ground. This includes garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper, vegetative matter involved with land clearing, or any sort of debris. However, the use of propane or gas stoves, charcoal briquette grills, or the use of tobacco in any form is not covered under county burn bans. Campfires are permitted in designated state, federal, or Department of Environmental Protection licensed campgrounds, as long as they are confined and contained within fire rings.
The burn ban can be put in place at the request of the district fire warden, usually the district forester, after at least 10 fire chiefs or 50 percent of the fire chiefs in the county, whichever is less, recommend and request the imposition of a temporary countywide burn ban on open fires. The ban remains in effect for no more than 30 days, but county commissioners may extend it for up to an additional 30 days upon the recommendation of the district forester.
Residents planning to burn are advised to check with local authorities to confirm if burning is permitted, as local municipalities and county offices may have additional burning restrictions or ban information. For general information on wildland fire, residents can contact the DCNR Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925. More information can be found on the DCNR website.