Pennsylvania Statewide Rule

Pennsylvania Bans Setting Fires in Woodlands and Wild Lands

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 32 P.S. § 344 (§ 1005)
Accidental fire: Misdemeanor: to $500 / 6 months
Malicious fire: Felony: to $5,000 / 10 years
Enforcement: DCNR forest fire wardens
Warden power: Arrest on view, no warrant

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Pennsylvania's Forest Fire Protection Law makes it a crime to set fire to any woodlot, forest, or wild land anywhere in the Commonwealth. Accidental ignition is a misdemeanor; maliciously starting a wildfire is a felony carrying up to ten years in a penitentiary.

It shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to, or to cause to be set on fire, either accidentally or otherwise, directly or indirectly, in person or by agent, any woodlot, forest, or wild land... (b) If any person shall maliciously set fire to... any woodlot, forest, or wild land... such person shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars, and be imprisoned in a penitentiary for a period not exceeding ten years.

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Full Breakdown

Under Section 1005 of the Forest Fire Protection Law (32 P.S. § 344), it is unlawful to set fire, accidentally or otherwise, to any woodlot, forest, or wild land, or to start a fire anywhere and let it spread onto such land. Even accidental fires are a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and six months' imprisonment. Maliciously setting a wildfire is a felony carrying a fine up to $5,000 and up to ten years in a penitentiary. DCNR forest fire wardens enforce the law and may arrest violators on view without a warrant. Setting a back fire in good faith to stop a fire already burning is exempt.

Violations & Penalties

Accidental fires in or spreading to woodland are a misdemeanor: up to $500 and six months in jail. Maliciously setting a wildfire is a felony, up to $5,000 and ten years imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply outside state forests?

Yes. Section 1005 covers any woodlot, forest, or wild land in Pennsylvania, including farmers' woodlots, marshes, brush lands, and wild uncultivated land, not just state-owned forests.

Is an accidental woodland fire really a crime?

Yes. Setting fire accidentally to woodland, or letting any fire spread onto it, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and six months in jail.

Is fighting a fire with a back fire illegal?

No. Section 1005(c) exempts setting a back fire in good faith to extinguish a fire that is already burning.

Sources

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