1. (a) Prohibition. Fires are prohibited except in accordance with this section.
2. (b) Gas grills and camp stoves. Fires are permitted in gas grills and camp stoves when these appliances are used as designed.
3. (c) Charcoal fires. Charcoal fires are permitted in appliances designed for them. Disposing of hot charcoal, except in a facility designed for charcoal disposal, is prohibited.
4. (d) Fire rings. Fires are permitted in fire rings that are either provided by the Department or, if not provided by the Department, do not exceed 2 feet in diameter. Fire rings must be constructed of noncombustible material.
5. (e) Fireplaces. Fires are permitted in fireplaces provided by the Department.

6. (f) Forest-fire danger. Fires in fire rings and fireplaces are prohibited at the following times unless permitted by the Department:

   1. (1) When the forest-fire danger is determined by the Department to be high, very high or extreme.

      1. (i) The Department will notify the public of these danger ratings by means of the Department’s web site, signs, news releases, fire wardens or volunteer fire departments.
      2. (ii) The public may contact the district forester to obtain forest-fire danger ratings.
   2. (2) From March 1 through May 25.
7. (g) Attending a fire. Failure to attend a fire at all times is prohibited.
8. (h) Extinguishing a fire. Leaving a fire that has not been completely extinguished is prohibited.
9. (i) Liability. A person who has caused a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for damages, costs of extinction and fines.

Authority

The provisions of this § 21.118 issued under sections 302, 313 and 502 of the Conservation and Natural Resources Act (71 P. S. § § 1340.302, 1340.313 and 1340.502); and the Crimes Code, 18 Pa.C.S. § § 7505 and 7506.

Source

The provisions of this § 21.118 adopted September 4, 2015, effective September 5, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 5493.

Cross References

This section cited in 17 Pa. Code § 21.115 (relating to natural resources); and 17 Pa. Code § 21.123 (relating to violation of rules regarding conduct in State forests).