Sproul wildfire continues to smolder

Human cause suspected

RENOVO -- A vegetation fire that has encompassed approximately 180 wooded acres in Clinton County will likely be burning for several days as of Friday evening, according to DCNR's Fire Forester Jeremy Dayhoss. Over 100 people have shown up to battle the blaze since it was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Although a determination of the start of the fire remains under investigation, Dayhoss does suspect "human cause."

"We're far from done, the fire will burn for several days yet, but we're confident it will not leave the area of its current footprint" Dayhoss explained, saying that it could take a heavy, long-lasting rainfall to extinguish the fire completely. The 180 acres of what have been affected by the flames will likely change several times as exact mapping is performed, according to Dayhoss.

The fire was not strong enough to burn down standing, living trees, but underbrush and dead trees -- both standing and fallen -- have succumbed to the event.

Still, the flames will end up claiming many living trees. Dayhoss explained that the cambium, the biological plant tissue layer of trees, has been harmed enough to eventually kill many of the live trees that have been exposed to the heat and fire. It's estimated that about 50% of the oak trees will die, while the percentage will be slightly higher on softer trees, like maple.

The fire burnt in the area that includes sections up Halls Run Mountain along Rte. 144. With the steepness of the hillside, it was decided that all attack efforts to combat the fire were started from the top, as firefighters worked downhill. A shuttle service which included several types of vehicles including UTV's would then take participants back to the top for their next shift.

Over 100 total people have worked to douse the mountainside, including DCNR, Forestry, fire stations from multiple counties and support crews.

Two different injuries have occurred as of Friday, both relating to the steepness and roughness of the terrain.

Jenna Warind, Recreation/Fire Forester Technician of Sproul State Forest, applauded the efforts of everyone that has shown up to contain the blaze.

"This was a very steep hillside, everyone involved worked bravely and cooperated, nothing about fighting this was easy for anyone on the ground," Warind championed the efforts. "We have such a good relationship with Clinton County's Communication Center, which helped us both to be so well prepared for something like this. The communications have just been phenomenal," Warind finished.