First, with preventing fires.

“Upcoming warmer and drier weather conditions will give residents an opportunity to begin cleaning and clearing around their residences and camps and the Bureau of Forestry would ask that all residents and visitors use extra care when participating in outdoor activities,” Cornplanter District Forester Cecile Stelter said. “Burning a debris pile, a spark from an ATV, or an unattended campfire are all potential starting points for brush, woods or wildfires.”

After cold temperatures, rain, and even some snow, wildfires may not be at the front of most minds.

“It only takes a few days of drying conditions to create the circumstances where wildfires can occur,” she said. “Ninety-nine percent of the wildfires in Pennsylvania are a direct result of people. These wildfires require enormous amounts of time and effort from emergency responders, who are also charged with responding to structure fires, traffic accidents, local and school emergencies, etc.”

Times Observer file photo A year after the start of two major wildfires that eventually burned over 200 acres of Warren County each — pictured is the Cobham Hill Fire in Watson Township — officials are asking the public to take care in burning and for help in finding the person who set the Hemlock Fire in Glade Township.

The bureau is also looking for help in tracking down whoever set one of those wildfires.

“Last year on April 8, two fires ignited in Warren County which threatened homes and required the response and support of many first responders from the northwest region,” Stelter said.

Both the Cobham Hill Fire in Watson Township and the Hemlock Fire in Glade Township burned more than 200 acres of Warren County.

“One of those incidents, the Hemlock Fire, was intentionally set,” Stelter said. “The investigation into that fire, by Bureau of Forestry fire personnel and local law enforcement personnel is continuing.”

“If anyone has any information regarding this arson incident, they are asked to call Crime Stoppers of Warren County at 1-800-832-7463 or 1-800-83-CRIME,” she said. “Callers can remain anonymous.”

Further information about wildfire prevention and suppression is available by contacting Fire Forester Jay Lindemuth at (814) 723-0262 ext. 106.