In January 2025, several wildfires raged across California, burning tens of thousands of acres, killing nearly 30 people and forcing thousands more to flee their homes. In August 2023, wildfires on the island of Maui devasted the town of Lahaina and over 100 people perished due to these fires. The fires were exacerbated by the presence of young, dry vegetation, highlighting the need for proper forest management.

In Pennsylvania, there has recently been a drastic increase in the number of forest fires, nearly tripling from 2019 to 2020 reaching a recent peak of nearly 2,000 wildfires in 2023 – a number that the Commonwealth hasn’t seen since 1946. In 2023, these fires burned 9,186 acres, destroyed three residences and 24 other structures, caused 15 injuries and, most tragically, caused the loss of three lives.

I will soon be introducing a three-bill package aimed at increasing our ability to prevent and fight wildfires in Pennsylvania. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring these important bills.