After the cold weather and snow that Mother Nature threw at us this winter, spring has officially sprung. Spring officially started with the vernal equinox, which occurred on March 20 this year. The vernal equinox is the day that there is an equal amount of sunlight and darkness. The daylight hours will continue to increase until reaching its maximum on the summer solstice, which occurs on June 20. As the amount of daylight increases, warmer weather increases, and so does the potential for wildfires.
According to DCNR Bureau of Forestry statistics, in 2024 Pennsylvania had 1,460 wildfires with 3,277 acres burned. The fall season proved to be a very busy time due to extremely dry conditions across the state, and proved to be unusual because there were more wildfires in the fall than in the spring. Typically, it is the other way around.
Why is springtime so dangerous when it comes to wildfires?
Weather patterns are a major factor when it comes to spring wildfires. During spring, it is not unusual to have a fair amount of rain. This moisture can be deceiving, and conditions can quickly change and become favorable for a wildfire. The relative humidity can become quite low, and when that is coupled with breezy conditions, the fuel source for wildfires can quickly become very dry. Because trees still do not have leaves, sunlight reaches the ground which can warm up and dry out sources of fuel (leaves, dead branches, pine needles, etc.) for wildfires.
In field areas where the grasses haven’t yet begun to green up, the brown tops that are remnants of last year’s growth becomes an extremely flammable fuel source as well. It is important to understand that even though the ground itself may be moist, the dead leaves, twigs and other fuels that lay on top of the ground may be very dry.
There are three requirements for a wildfire to occur. In addition to dry conditions and a fuel source, the third is an ignition. This is where the human element comes into play. DCNR reports that 99% of wildfires that occur in Pennsylvania each year are caused by humans through burning debris, setting off fireworks, unattended campfires, etc. It doesn’t take a very big burning ember to float away and land in a dry field to catch the dead grass on fire. Breezy conditions can quickly move the wildfire along, and can very quickly turn into a much larger problem.
What are some things you can do to prevent wildfires?
Consider composting the leaves, twigs and other debris that you gather up in the spring. Always consider current relative humidity, moisture and wind speed before burning at any time of the year. Be sure to check if there is a burn ban in your area. Think twice about whether you really need to even burn at all.
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