Volunteer fire companies in Northampton County and around the state are getting a big boost in funds to help fight wildfires.
It comes as officials as drought conditions persist throughout our region.
“Wildfires are a significant issue in Pennsylvania,” said Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection for the DCNR Bureau of Forestry.
As peak spring wildfire season approaches, financial help from Harrisburg is on the way.
114 fire companies are getting more than $900,000 from the Shapiro Administration and Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, including some departments in Northampton County.
Grants up to $15,000 were awarded on a 50/50 cost-share basis to fire companies serving rural communities and municipalities with fewer than 10-thousand residents.
Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company in Nazareth, Diamond Fire Company in Walnutport and Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 in Cherryville each received $15,000.
Kern said the funds will support equipment, supplies, gear, communication tools and training.
“For wildland firefighting, so things like hard hats, no max clothing, gloves, hand tools. They can use it to upgrade or outfit equipment they already have,” said Kern.
It comes as spring arrives and first responders on high alert for the potential of increased wildfires.
Burn bans, specifically for campfires and open burning, will be taking place until March 25th, according to the DCNR state forest regulations.
State parks and state park campfires are not affected.
As far as what we can expect for wildfires this season, Kern said it depends on the weather patterns for March and April.
“Fires in Pennsylvania are over 90% caused by humans. So, anything we can do to be careful with fire,” said Kern. “Just be careful and think about, you know what you’re doing and any risk to starting a wildfire before you use fire.”
Kern is also encouraging people to support their local fire departments, adding that volunteer departments often depend on donations from the community.