YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Ten acres of land in York and Cumberland Counties were burned in a brush fire on Monday.
More than 60 fire units responded to a fire reported in Monroe Township around noon.
The fire eventually spread up South Mountain.
More than 1,900 feet of fire hose and several helicopter water dumps were required to put out the fire, according to New Kingstown Fire Company. Forestry crews remained on the scene until it was cleared around 4:30 p.m.
No injuries nor structure damage was reported, though trees in the affected area suffered burns. Officials said the area could remain smoky for a day or so.
The fire was caused by a man burning debris in his backyard, according to the York County Office of Emergency Management.
“He had a brush fire going, a debris fire, and he left it unattended and it got out of control,” said public information officer Ted Czech. “With the dry conditions that we have right now, and the sun is climbing higher in the sky these days, and the winds, that all kind of combined, unfortunately, to cause this fire.”
Backyard debris burns cause about 60% of wildfires in Pennsylvania, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
“Someone may start a fire and then go inside or go somewhere else because they don’t think it’s going to go anywhere and then they come back and it has escaped containment,” said DCNR Forest Fire Chief Mike Kern.
In Pennsylvania, a person who starts a wildfire may have to pay the expense to put it out and for cleanup and may also be liable for other damages.
“Ultimately whoever starts the fire is responsible for whatever may be caused by that fire,” Kern said.
Many municipalities in Pennsylvania allow burning, though Kern recommended to instead try composting or recycling organic backyard debris.
If you do burn, officials have some tips.
“You have to be aware of what your municipality allows. You also have to be aware of high winds. If you are going to burn, burn away from structures and any trees that may be hanging overhead. Keep your piles small,” Czech said.
Czech added to never leave a fire unattended and to maintain a clear 10-foot radius around the burn area.
Spring wildfire season runs from March to May in Pennsylvania.