A reward of $1,000 is being offered by the bureau for information leading to arrests and convictions in what investigators have labeled arson in Schuylkill, Luzerne and Carbon counties.
Approximately 50 arson fires, burning more than 1,000 acres, were investigated in these three counties. The largest fires were burning 674 acres in northern Carbon County near White Haven, and a 184-blaze near Shenandoah in Schuylkill County.
“Circumstances around all of these fires have led us to the conclusion that the fires have been intentionally set. Some of the fires have put lives and property at risk, which is of great concern,” said Michael Kern, chief of the bureau’s Wildfire Operations and Planning Section.
“Intentionally setting a wildfire is arson and we take that very seriously. We are asking for anyone who may have information to come forward.”
Information can be forwarded to bureau Special Investigator Terry Smith, 717-362-1472; terrsmith@pa.gov.
Anonymous tips also will be accepted but do not qualify for the reward. For more information on wildfire prevention, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us