VIDEO: The Smoky Bear sign along Route 611 in Swiftwater reads ‘moderate risk’ for wildfires. Bill Deaton is a Fire Warden with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry. He says the fall fire season is here early.
“We’re two weeks ahead of time with leaf foliage, so we are 2 weeks ahead of time when it comes to fire then. When you drive around, you can see the colors changing. Those leaves are going to start to fall, as soon as they start to fall, we are thinking fall fire,” said Deaton.
He explains the lack of rain mixed with the dry leaves, sticks, and other debris creates the perfect recipe for fires.
“We are significantly drier than normal, 75 percent below precipitation rate for what would be the valley areas like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, and 50-75 for the areas surrounding that northern tier, Schuylkill and Poconos,” said Deaton.
Forestry officials say even with rain in the forecast, it’s not enough to make up for the lack of rain across the region.
