Take Precautions Against Forest Fires

As part of Wildfire Awareness Week, state officials are warning the public about the dangers of wildfires.

“Protecting our natural resources is our collective responsibility,” said the state’s Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan in a press release. “I urge the public to use caution this season and do their part to prevent forest fires.”

Sullivan, in the press release, is asking the public to be careful when visiting any state park. Note the wind and drought conditions when burning materials. Park visitors must have a burn permit to have a fire, but the burning season ends Sunday, May 1.

April has historically seen the largest number of forest fires, according to the press release. More than 80 forest fires have reported statewide this year.

The department also issued several steps homeowners can take to avoid falling victim to a forest fire — compost vegetables into piles, clean roofs and gutters of debris before burning wildfire embers, remove leaves and debris from home foundations. They are also urging home owners to remove woodpiles, and other flammable debris to more than 30 feet from buildings.