Dry conditions are sounding alarms throughout Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. – With no measurable precipitation forecast and dry conditions expected to continue, firefighters are urging residents to be wary of accidentally starting a brush fire.

Firefighters from across the county were busy responding to bushfires ranging from smoldering mulch fires to full-scale bushfires, with no relief in sight.

Doylestown Borough Fire Marshal Scott Fleischer said Tuesday that continued dry conditions over the next few days coupled with increasing winds would only make conditions worse.

According to meteorologists, there is an increased risk of fire spread on Thursday as relative humidity drops to around 30 to 40 percent across the area. This will be combined with north to northwest winds of about 15 mph and gusts of 20 to 25 mph, temperatures in the mid to upper 60s and plenty of sunshine. “These conditions will encourage the spread of fires that ignite and could quickly become difficult to control,” forecasters said.

“The bushfires were generally smaller today because we don't have a wind component, but Wednesday into Thursday we will have the wind component,” Fleisher said. “The fires we had early last week when.” It was windy, we had equipment from all over the region and tankers bringing in water. These fires can consume a lot of resources and manpower. So be careful what you do outside and be aware of your surroundings.”

First and foremost, don't throw cigarettes out the car window, the firefighter said. He said discarded smoldering cigarette butts and matches could easily start a mulch or bushfire.

Residents should also avoid parking over fallen leaves. He said the heat from a catalytic converter or muffler could be enough to start a fire. “Be very careful when parking over dry leaves,” he said.

A man was mowing his lawn when his mower hit a rock and a bush caught fire, says Fleischer. The next thing he knew, his yard was on fire and firefighters were on scene.

Grilling should also be done very carefully or postponed until conditions are safe. “Charcoal creates all kinds of sparks and embers,” he said. “Any type of outdoor cooking should be postponed until there is some rain.”

Outdoor burning should also be postponed until conditions improve, Fleisher said, noting that many municipalities have already implemented burn bans.

Dry conditions are expected to continue into next week and no rain is forecast until Tuesday.