HARRISBURG — With much of Pennsylvania abnormally dry and wildfires affecting many areas, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is temporarily banning fires on the state’s game lands.

Although camping is prohibited on state game lands, regulations allow game land users to light small fires for cooking or warmth. But the regulation gives the Gaming Commission executive director the authority to restrict otherwise permitted activities when wildfire danger exists.

The ban on fires in hunting areas will remain in effect indefinitely until conditions improve.

“Taking this small step now to address wildfire risk could prevent a larger problem as we move into the heart of hunting season.” said Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Gaming Commission. “Doing what we can to protect wildlife habitat in what can be a hunter’s favorite place is both beneficial and can make a big difference.”

The Hunting Commission is among a number of government agencies that have enacted measures to address dry conditions. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) today issued a similar ban on campfires in state parks and state forests, as well as a suspension of prescribed burns on DCNR lands. The Game Commission is conducting prescribed burning operations to improve wildlife habitat on certain state game lands, primarily in the spring and early fall, and is also temporarily suspending prescribed burning on game lands.

“While the Gaming Commission recognizes the value of prescribed fires under the right conditions, it is clear that time is not now.” said Game Commission Chief Land Manager Scott Bearer.

The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force declared drought conditions in 35 of the state’s 67 counties. There were 100 reported wildfires in the state last week, and many more went unreported. Scores of volunteer firefighters were injured in this weekend’s fires, and these ongoing wildfires have strained state and local resources. Approximately 50 Game Commission personnel trained in fire management actively participated in suppression and structure protection activities in partnership with DCNR and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.