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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 24-1682

NOTICES

GAME COMMISSION

Temporary Statewide Fire Ban on State Game Lands

[54 Pa.B. 7636]
[Saturday, November 23, 2024]

Order

 Whereas, The Commonwealth is currently experiencing environmental conditions that have significantly heightened wildfire risks within the State; and

 Whereas, The Commonwealth's dry conditions are the result from a combination of several factors, including a lack of recent precipitation, sunny days, warm temperatures, and low humidity; and

 Whereas, The Commonwealth's dry conditions are anticipated to persist over the next few weeks, as no precipitation is forecasted within this timeframe; and

 Whereas, On November 5, 2024, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Department) issued public notice that it has implemented a prohibition on campfires on state park and forest lands until further notice to mitigate wildfire risks; and

 Whereas, Section 135.2(2) of Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code (58 Pa. Code § 135.2(2) (relating to unlawful actions)) generally prohibits the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands under the ownership, lease, agreement, control, or jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Commission), including lands designated as State game lands; and

 Whereas, Section 135.41(a)(2) of Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code (58 Pa. Code § 135.41(a)(2) (relating to state game lands)) exempts from the above-described fire restriction small open fires used for cooking or warming purposes by persons exercising the privileges of a valid hunting, furtaking, or fishing license and through hikers within the corridor of the Appalachian Trail; and

 Whereas, Section 135.41(a)(2) also closes the availability of the above-described open fire ban exemption when the fire index rating used by the Department is high, very high, or extreme for that area; and

 Whereas, As of November 5, 2024, the Department listed the observed fire index rating for the entirety of the Commonwealth as ''high''; and

 Whereas, the Commission has determined that the current risk of wildfire within the Commonwealth meets or exceeds the threshold to implement a Statewide ban on the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands designated as State game lands.

 Now Therefore, it is hereby ordered that the kindling, use, or maintenance of open fires on any lands designated as State game lands within the Commonwealth is prohibited until further notice.

 Given under my hand and seal of the Pennsylvania Game Commission on this 6th day of November 2024.

STEPHEN SMITH, 
Executive Director

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-1682. Filed for public inspection November 22, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]


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