Wildfire threat...again!

As we post yet again this morning about the wildfire threat, I felt it an important time to look a little deeper into the threat we’ve been facing in Cumberland County.  I’ve had several people ask me why there is a threat.  “It just rained the other day” and “everything looks green” are two of the common comments I’ve heard.  Don’t let rain and your green lawn fool you…this threat is very real!

As much as we at DPS and most residents in Cumberland County enjoyed a mild, almost snowless winter, it comes at a price.  Each year the leaves fall from the trees and blanket the mountain and forest floors.  As winter moves into the area and snow begins to fall and accumulate in these areas that leafy blanket becomes saturated with moisture and begins to decay.  What does not decay remains pretty moist as we transition into the spring months.  This damp and decaying layer is not optimal for wildfires and almost offers protection until the wooded areas become lush and green again. 

The lack of snow this year means this dead leafy ground cover is dry and thick and prime to catch fire and burn.  Dry leaves are a great fuel source for fire and the refreshing breezy spring air will stoke a fire and help it spread rapidly.  It does not take much to start a fire in these conditions; a small spark will do the trick. 

This threat is likely to remain unless our area starts seeing large amounts of saturating rain.  We are asking residents and visitors to be responsible and take precautions.  Remember to avoid the burning of trash and debris, properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes and when visiting our beautiful state parks, be responsible campers when partaking in campfires and meal preparation.  Yep folks, Smokey is right…Only you can prevent wildfires!