The PA Forest Heritage Association reported in its Winter quarterly newsletter Saturday 12,067  acres were burned in 836 wildfires in Pennsylvania to December causing $3.5 million in damage, 1 fatality and 12 injuries.

This represents a significant increase in acres burned over 2015, when there were 817 wildfires, but 4,165 acres affected.   The fires cost over $2.1 million to extinguish.

It is the largest number of acres burned since 1990.

This year’s largest wildfire burned 8,000 acres in Monroe and Pike counties.  It was the largest in DCNR's history. DCNR is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible.

Almost 200 volunteers were deployed for two weeks to fight wildfires in 11 states; 25 of them as recently as November, answering calls from North Carolina and Georgia.

For more information on wildfires and prevention, visit DCNR’s Wildfire in PA webpage.

Visit the Discover Center at Caledonia State Park in Franklin County to learn more about Pennsylvania’s forest fire fighting heritage.

The PA Forest Heritage Association is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage of forest conservation and forest fire protection in Pennsylvania.  Click Here to contact the PFHA for more information on the programs, initiatives and upcoming events.

NewsClips:

Christmas Trees Take Years To Grow Into Holiday Centerpiece

Anadarko, Big Marcellus Driller In State Forests, Leaving PA

DCNR Still Fighting With Drillers Over Royalty Monies Due

Swift: In-Lieu Of Tax Payments Increasing For State-Owned Forests, Parks

Flash Flood Washed Out DCNR Forestry Road Strands Business

Latrobe Begins To Map Public-Space Trees

Related Story:

PA Forest Heritage Assn. Quarterly Newsletter Now Available

[Posted Dec. 17, 2016]

12/26/2016