Arson suspected in Tuscarora State Forest fire
Tuscarora State Forest is located in the mountains east of the Juniata River. (Photo: Courtesy)
(Blain) — Forestry officials suspect arson in a fire that burned 72 acres in Tuscarora State Forest three weeks ago.
“Circumstances surrounding this fire have led us to the conclusion that the fire has been intentionally set,” said Scott Miller, district forester for the Tuscarora State Forest. “Intentionally set wildfires put lives and property at risk. Intentionally setting a wildfire is arson, and we take that very seriously. We are asking for anyone who may have information to come forward.”
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry is asking for help from the public in its investigation of the wildfire on Three Square Hollow Road in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County. The fire started around 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 in a mountain bowl. More than 30 firefighters were at the scene the following day. The fire was under control by Nov. 18.
A survey of the scorched area found that 72 acres in Hopewell Township had burned, half the original estimate.
According to a statement from the Bureau of Forestry, the fire was not the result of the bureau’s controlled burn from a day earlier on Blue Mountain Road:
- The controlled burn and the wildfire were separated by an air mile.
- Winds were from the north both days, and the wildfire was due east of the controlled burn.
- Staff arriving at the scene of the Three Square Hollow fire saw suspicious circumstances.
“I do not want to say anything about the suspicious circumstance they found,” Miller said. “I don’t want to compromise the existing investigation.”
Special Investigator Terry Smith has interviewed witnesses and people of interest, according to Miller.
Information can be forwarded to investigator Smith at 717-362-1472 or terrsmith@pa.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.
For more information on wildfire prevention, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select “Forestry” under “Quick Links” then “Wildland Fire”).
This article is part of a content-sharing partnership between WITF and Public Opinion Online.
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