Pocono News Section

California Fires Spark Concern Here in PA

California Fires Spark Concern Here in PA - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 4:34PM EST

Reported by: Les Still
Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007 @04:34pm EST

LOCK HAVEN, CLINTON COUNTY-The wildfires in California have many people in our area thinking something like this couldn’t happen.

But keep in mind that in spite of the rain this week most of northeast and central Pennsylvania remain under a Drought Watch. This has prompted a word of caution from Pennsylvania Forestry officials.

Delaware State Forest Jerry Kelly stated “They see the houses burning in California and say 'It can't happen here'. It can and it's only a matter of time when it does since we have all the development that is going on in what we call the urban-wildland interface."

There are generally 2 fire seasons in eastern Pennsylvania. One in the spring before the leaves on the trees come out. The other is right now in the fall, once the leaves drop and before it gets really cold.

Officials said that the majority of brushfires in Pennsylvania are because of debris burning.