1. Wildfires in Pennsylvania www.dcnr.state.pa.us

2. any unwanted fire that burns fields, grass, brush or forests. Wildfire is defined as… 2

3. Wildfires affect… Wildlife 3

4. Wildfires affect… Watersheds 4

5. Wildfires affect… Forests and Plants 5

6. Wildfires affect… Personal Property 6

7. When is Pennsylvania’s wildfire season? 2000-2009 7

8. Number of Acres Burned 2000-2009 8

9. When are Western wildfires? 9

10. Western Wildfire Season 10

11. Why are PA fires predominately in spring and fall? Direct sunlight Dry winds Leaves Logs and fallen limbs 11

12. Wildfire Behavior Triangle 12

13. Fuels Grass Leaves Pine needles Twigs Branches and logs 13

14. Weather Relative humidity Temperature Wind Precipitation 14

15. Greatest Wildfire Risk 12 11 10 9 6 4 3 2 1 8 7 5 15

16. Topography Aspect Slope 16

17. Seasonal Transitions Spring: South to North Fall: North to South 17

18. Spring – Mid May 18

19. Spring – Mid-late May 19

20. Spring – Early June 20

21. Fall – Mid October 21

22. Fall – Late October 22

23. Fall – Early November 23

24. Wildfire causes: Other includes: Camp fires (5%) Railroads (3%) Lightning (2%) Children (2%) Smoking (2%) 24

25. Wildfire suppression can be costly! 25

26. Wildfire suppression can be costly! 26

27. Wildfire suppression can be costly! 27

28. Safe Debris Burning Grass & area cleared 10 feet around barrel Screen Metal container Hose & rake ½ inch holes at base 28

29. Alternatives to Debris Burning Recycling Mulching/chipping Wildlife habitat Composting http://www2.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/departments/recycle/basics.html 29

30. Alternatives to Campfires 30

31. Prevention Message 31

32. For more information, contact: DCNR Bureau of Forestry Local Forest Fire Warden Local Fire Company www.dcnr.state.pa.us 32