Spring is here and soon people will be enjoying long hot and dry days without much rain. Many people are looking forward to having picnics in their park.

However, as the warmer and drier weather sets in, many local volunteer fire companies will be busy fighting wildfires.  

Lynn Snyder and RJ Iddings are local firefighters at the Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Company.  

According to Snyder and Iddings, the area has already had about 12 brush fires so far this season.

“That’s less than normal,” said Snyder. “The longest brush fire I fought was three days up in Osceola Mills.”

Wildfires can be caused by many things, including natural and man made causes.  In the past few weeks the fire companies had many brush fires and wildfires due to dry brush. Many people don’t realize that a wildfire can burn for minutes, days, weeks, and maybe even months.  

There are several things people can do to help prevent these dangerous fires.

The forestry team has been called to most of the brush fires that we’ve had so far.  If you encounter a fire that’s unintended or out of control, call 911.

Some things that can be done to prevent wildfires are:

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Completely extinguish the fire. You are able to do that by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until cold, before you go to sleep or before you leave the campsite.

• Take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves, and heaters. Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling. Avoid spilling flammable liquids and store fuel away from appliances.  

• Do not discard cigarettes, matches, and smoking materials from moving vehicles, or anywhere on park grounds. Be certain to completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.

• Follow local ordinances when burning yard waste. Avoid backyard burning in windy conditions, and keep a shovel, water, and fire retardant nearby to keep fires in check. Remove all flammables from yard when burning.