Lower Providence Declares Burn Ban As Fire Conditions Worsen

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — Lower Providence Township has instituted a burn ban, they announced Monday.

The ban, in place indefinitely, means that all campfires, bonfires, fire pits, agricultural burning, and all other outdoor burning actiities are prohibited.

"We understand that this burn ban may inconvenience some of our plans, but our top priority is the safety of our community," police said.

Dangerously dry weather makes the threat of wildlife all too real in parts of Montgomery County, particularly in areas like Lower Providence Township where there are large wooded tracts.

"A follow up announcement will be made once conditions improve," police added.

Several wildfires have already broken out in New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania in recent days due to what authorities are calling historically dry conditions. New Jersey is under a drought watch, though no watch or warning, with its associated sweeping restrictions, has been issued by state govermnet Pennsylvania.

Still, the US Geologic Survey's maps consider Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties to be under a "drought emergency," while Delaware County is classified in the "drought watch" status, per that agency.