Indiana County’s volunteer firefighters got a loud wake-up call from spring yesterday, racing from one brush fire to the next in a run of incidents local officials say signals the start of brush fire season. From late morning into late afternoon, dispatchers sent crews to five separate fires, pulling in help from neighboring small-town companies along the way.
Five Runs, One Long Saturday
According to WCCS AM1160 & 101.1FM, the first call went out at 9:29 a.m. for a brush fire along North Creek Road in West Mahoning Township, with Plumville and Dayton volunteers heading to the scene. Crews were then dispatched to Main Street in Emeigh in neighboring Cambria County at 12:10 p.m., followed by a call to East Pike Road in White Township at 12:44 p.m.
The largest incident, reported at 1:56 p.m. on Sportsman Road in Cherryhill Township, drew multiple mutual aid companies. The day wrapped with a fifth brush fire reported at 4:53 p.m. along Fisher Road in South Mahoning Township.
Why Early Spring Bites So Hard
Early spring can look harmless, but it is prime time for brush fires. Last year’s dry leaves, bare trees, and gusty winds give even a small spark room to run, and forecasters say March is often when fire weather really starts to ramp up.
The National Weather Service cautions that low relative humidity combined with strong winds can quickly raise the fire danger. Fire-weather outlooks and red-flag criteria guide when agencies clamp down on outdoor burning and other activities that could start a blaze.
Volunteer Crews and the Money to Keep Rolling
Local volunteer departments answered Saturday’s calls with what they had, but rural outfits often lean heavily on mutual aid and state grant programs to stay ready for days like this. State officials awarded about $318,506 in Fire Company and EMS grants to 22 Indiana County departments last year, including Cherryhill and Plumville, as reported by Sen. Joe Pittman. Cherryhill’s website notes that recent LSA funding is helping the department buy a new brush truck.
What You Can Do Not To Be the Next Call
If you spot smoke or a fire getting away from a burn, call 911 right away and give the dispatcher the closest road name or landmark you can. Skip burning yard waste on windy or very dry days, and check the National Weather Service fire-weather outlook for any watches or red-flag warnings before you light a match.
Residents should also check with their township or local volunteer fire company about burn permits. Many municipalities have ordinances that require permits and give fire chiefs the authority to order a fire put out. If you do have a permitted burn, keep a garden hose or other water source nearby and stay with the fire until the debris is completely cold to the touch. That simple bit of caution can keep a small brush pile from turning into the sixth call of the day.
