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The Hopewell Fire is a Reminder to Support Volunteer Firemen
By Pottstown Mercury Newspaper
April 17, 2012
The fire that has burned the past seven days through more than 600 acres of state park and game lands in Berks and Chester counties leaves us with several warnings and courses of action.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been made public, state forestry officials have confirmed that it was "man-made." Some unconfirmed reports were that the fire was sparked by downed electric wires on the windy day. Whether the cause is revealed to be downed wires or human carelessness with burning, the message is that the slightest spark in these dry conditions can start a devastating chain of events.
On the same day a week ago that brush caught fire in Union Township, a discarded cigarette butt in mulch outside an apartment complex in Upper Merion, Montgomery County, started a blaze that destroyed the homes of apartment dwellers. A Chadds Ford mansion was destroyed by fire in Chester County.
The extremely dry conditions of this spring after a mild winter with little ground-soaking snow are conducive to fires sparking easily and spreading quickly.
Despite the burn bans in effect by most rural townships and a 30-day ban on open burning just enacted by Chester County Commissioners, a North Coventry resident was fined last week for open burning. The threat to homes from flames spreading through forest on St. Peters and Cold Springs roads was apparently not warning enough to stop some people from burning trash.
It is critical in these dry conditions that burn bans be followed and enforced. Residents should take extreme care when discarding any items that have the potential to cause fire and be certain to safely dispose of cigarette butts or ashes.
The forest fire that engulfed the state game lands near French Creek State Park and Hopewell National Historic Site destroyed a large portion of the 1,000-acre forest that encompasses the Hopewell Big Woods section of the federally-preserved Highlands Conservation Area. Forestry experts say the woods will come back, and thankfully there were no injuries or loss of homes in the fire that burned for days.
The other course of action needed is a show of support for the dozens of area fire companies and hundreds of volunteers who have worked through long hours and in difficult circumstances to contain the forest fire and protect the surrounding private properties. The expectation of a massive firefighting effort being conducted when danger strikes doesn't take into account that those fighting the fire are unpaid volunteers giving their time as members of small rural companies with limited cash resources for equipment and training.
The thank-you gestures of neighbors along St. Peters Road where the fire's danger was most imminent are worthwhile signs of appreciation, but going forward, it is incumbent on all of us to acknowledge and support with donations the work of local fire departments. Saving the woods of French Creek and Hopewell from further damage is work that benefits the entire region economically, environmentally and recreationally.
We owe the woods our careful protection by following fire-safety precautions; we owe the volunteer fire companies of the region our financial support.
