EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Dry conditions and warm temperatures in NEPA are fueling brush fires across the region, including a large fire at Aylesworth Park Wednesday night that took crews five hours to contain.
The past few weeks of dry and warm weather have created the ideal conditions for wildfires According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, on a scale from low to extreme, Lackawanna County is at high risk for brush fires
The DCNR also states that human activity is responsible for 98% of wildfires in Pennsylvania.
Fires spread rapidly in dry grasses and leaves, making even a small spark dangerous
If you're planning to light a fire outdoors always take the current weather conditions into consideration. Don't start a fire if the weather is dry, warm, or windy.
If the weather permits it, there are a few precautions you should always take before you light up such as:
Clearing the area of the fire site before you light.
Keeping the fire itself small and never leaving it unattended
Keeping water and a rake nearby in case of escaping embers and when you're done, be sure to douse the fire with water until all the ashes are cold to the touch
Remember, it only takes one spark to start a dangerous fire.
For more information on wildfire prevention visit their website.
