The weather is warm and this time of year is prime for wildfires.

Currently, a burn ban has not been issued for the area. In fact, at this time there are no burn bans anywhere in Pennsylvania. However, as local fire departments will tell you, that does not mean the risk is not present, as multiple wildfires have been fought already in 2021.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is maintaining two maps, with daily updates: a map for observed wildfire danger and also one for the wildfire danger forecast.

As of Wednesday, McKean and Elk counties were at moderate risk of wildfire, while Potter and Cameron counties are at high risk.

In regard to the wildfire forecast, McKean, Elk and Cameron counties were at moderate risk for fire danger, while Potter County is at low risk as of Thursday.

Those maps can be accessed by visiting https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire/Pages/default.aspx and choosing the PDF for “Observed Wildfire Danger” or “Wildfire Danger Forecast.”

As the danger of wildfire typically continues into May and will increase again in autumn, particularly in October and November, it is important to remember that there is one specific cause in Pennsylvania for wildfires — 99% are caused by people.

Conditions at this time of year are prime for wildfires, as grass and leaves tend to be dry, the weather includes low humidity and bare trees mean sunlight reaches the forest floor to further dry the ground. Strong winds also contribute to the dry conditions and provide plenty of fuel, ready to combust with a spark.

According to the DCNR, “Firefighters call the area where homes and development meet and intermingle with undeveloped forests the ‘wildland-urban interface.’ More than half of all wildfire ignitions in Pennsylvania occur within the wildland-urban interface.”

These fires can be caused by choosing to burn debris, as well as operating equipment, starting a campfire or issues with power lines.

The DCNR also has a few tips for preparing your home and reducing the risk of a fire igniting within the Home Ignition Zone (the area surrounding your residence).

These include: clearing all combustible materials from the five feet of land surrounding your residence; creating breaks within the landscape for the Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet around your home) and include interruptions in the 30 to 100 feet of forested landscape near your home (the Extended Zone).