Wildfires in Pennsylvania: What to Know This Spring

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and more opportunities to enjoy forests across the Commonwealth. But it also marks the most dangerous time of year for wildfires in Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the greatest wildfire risk occurs during March, April, and May, with another peak during October and November.

Understanding why these seasons are risky and how climate change is influencing wildfire conditions can help communities protect forests and reduce fire risk.

Why Spring is Peak Season for Wildfires in Pennsylvania

Three conditions are necessary for a wildfire to occur:

  • Fuel: materials that can burn, such as dry leaves, grass, or brush
  • Dry conditions: including low humidity and dry vegetation
  • Ignition: something that starts the fire

These conditions often come together in Pennsylvania during the spring.

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, days become warmer and longer. At the same time, trees have not yet leafed out, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. This warms and dries fallen leaves and grasses, creating ideal fuel for fires.

When dry spring winds are added to the mix, fires can spread quickly across the landscape.

Autumn brings similar risks. As leaves change color and fall, they accumulate in deep, fluffy layers that can easily ignite, creating another seasonal fire hazard.

However, the most important factor in Pennsylvania wildfires is people. Ninety-nine percent of wildfires in the state are caused by human activity, often from debris burning, unattended campfires, equipment use, or discarded cigarettes.

Changing Wildfire Patterns Across North America

Recent years have highlighted changing wildfire patterns across the continent. From smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires to unusual winter fires and larger-than-typical fires in Pennsylvania, such as the Thompson Hollow Fire, wildfire activity is evolving.

One of the major drivers behind these changes is climate change.

Climate Change and Increasing Weather Extremes

Climate scientists have long understood that climate change amplifies precipitation extremes, increasing both flooding and drought conditions.

When drought becomes severe–as experienced in many places during 2024–vegetation dries out and wildfire danger increases regardless of the season.

Even times of year that historically had lower wildfire risk may now experience heightened danger when rainfall patterns shift.

Forest Pests, Tree Mortality, and Wildfire Risk

Climate change also affects wildfire risk by impacting forest health.

Many invasive forest pests thrive in warmer conditions, leading to increased tree mortality. Two examples affecting Pennsylvania forests include:

  • Emerald Ash Borer, which has killed millions of ash trees
  • Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which threatens eastern hemlock forests

Extreme temperatures, drought, and changing precipitation patterns also stress trees, making them more vulnerable to pests and disease.

As trees die or decline, they create additional dry woody fuel in forests, increasing the potential for larger and more intense wildfires.

How Climate Change May Alter Pennsylvania Forests

As Pennsylvania’s climate changes, forest composition will also shift. Some tree species may decline while others become more common.

Scientists are still studying how these changes will unfold, but the resulting forests may have different wildfire risks and behaviors than those we see today.

Understanding these changes will help land managers and conservation groups make informed decisions to maintain healthy, resilient forests.

Protecting Your Forest and Property

If you own or manage forested land, working with a professional forester can help reduce wildfire risk while improving forest health.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers assistance through county service foresters, who can assess your forest and help develop a management plan.

Find your local service forester.

How You Can Help Prevent Wildfires in Pennsylvania (and everywhere!)

Everyone can help protect Pennsylvania’s forests.

Practice wildfire prevention

  • Follow safe burning practices
  • Avoid burning during moderate, high, very high, or extreme wildfire danger
  • Never leave fires unattended
  • Learn more about wildfire safety

Support healthy forests

  • Plant a native tree in your yard or community
  • Support reforestation through the Keystone Tree Fund
  • Consider becoming a wildland firefighter through your local forest district

Learn More About Wildfire Prevention and Climate Change

For more information, visit resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:

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