Multiple wildfires are actively burning in the Michaux State Forest, and are also impacting Kings Gap and Pine Grove Furnace state parks in Cumberland County. This photo shows fire in the forest on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Multiple wildfires are actively burning in the Michaux State Forest, and are also impacting Kings Gap and Pine Grove Furnace state parks in Cumberland County. This photo shows fire in the forest on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
AIRED; March 30, 2026
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As wildfire season ramps up across the state, The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused—often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes—making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.
