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Forest fire started at Camp Tuckahoe (PA)


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A forest fire was set off accidentally at Camp Tuckahoe in York County, PA.

Ronald Gardner, Jr., CEO and Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts’ New Birth of Freedom Council, said debris was burned by volunteers and employees during work at the camp . "However, it appears that embers reignited some time on Sunday and unfortunately caused this fire,” he said.

More at source

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/fire-on-south-mountain-started-accidentally-at-boy-scout-camp-tuckahoe-scout-leader-says.html

 

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53 minutes ago, RememberSchiff said:

A forest fire was set off accidentally at Camp Tuckahoe in York County, PA.

Ronald Gardner, Jr., CEO and Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts’ New Birth of Freedom Council, said debris was burned by volunteers and employees during work at the camp . "However, it appears that embers reignited some time on Sunday and unfortunately caused this fire,” he said.

More at source

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/fire-on-south-mountain-started-accidentally-at-boy-scout-camp-tuckahoe-scout-leader-says.html

 

This is the kind of thing I wonder about. We've been under a wind advisory in the Mid Atlantic region since Friday night. Everyone should know how dangerous March is. Brush fires are common this time of year unless it's actually raining. Why would you burn debris? This is why we have all the dumb rules in G2SS.

Edited by yknot
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Agreed, I am shaking my head.

Do we tear the corner of their Firem'n Chit card for failing Item 7? :confused:

    7.  I will use the cold-out test to make sure the fire is cold out and will make sure the fire lay is cleaned before I leave it.

Oh right, these were volunteers and employees.

https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/firemn-chit/

Wonder what the financial and operational consequences will be for Council? Neighbors aren't happy when you burn their property.

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What was the extent of the fire? We in So Cal have been holding our breath with all the wind we are having and the still drought conditions in much of the area.  We have had almost no rain so far this year, and what has fallen, has passed around our particular area for the most part.  Glad it was controlled quickly.

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New Birth of Freedom Council statement:

Status of Camp Tuckahoe After Brush Fire on March 14

To our Scouting community:

We are sad to report that a brush fire occurred at Camp Tuckahoe on Sunday evening while the property was vacant. We are immensely grateful for the quick response of area fire departments whose efforts contained the fire early Monday morning and saved all buildings from damage.

As many of you know, we closed Camp Tuckahoe beginning in October to enable the removal of unhealthy and unstable trees to protect the health and safety of all camp attendees. As part of this effort, groups of dedicated volunteers and employees have given their time on several Saturdays to help carefully remove debris caused by this process, which has included burning some of the material. While the burn pile was thought to have been fully extinguished, it appears that embers reignited some time on Sunday and unfortunately caused this fire.

This incident offers a stark reminder about the importance of fire safety, staying vigilant, and triple-checking each area to ensure a fire is out cold and the area is cool to the touch before leaving. We are committed to reviewing this incident, learning from it, and working to ensure that nothing like it happens again.

It will take some time to fully assess the situation, but we are grateful to share that the majority of Camp Tuckahoe’s main program areas were not impacted by the fire. At this time, we believe we can still provide our members and communities with the summer programs that Camp Tuckahoe is known for starting in June. We will continue to provide updates to our Scouting community as the situation develops.  

Thank you for your participation in Scouting and ongoing support as we navigate this challenge and prepare for a safe summer filled with fun and adventure.

We look forward to seeing everyone at camp.

Yours in Scouting,

William F. McQuade
Council President

Thomas A. Steckbeck
Council Commissioner

Ronald M. Gardner, Jr.
Scout Executive

https://newbirthoffreedom.org/2021/03/15/status-of-camp-tuckahoe-after-brush-fire-on-march-14/

 

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  • 1 year later...

Update Dec 28, 2022:

New Birth of Freedom Council executive board members are negotiating with the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy for the sale of 916 "buffer" acres around Camp Tuckahoe on South Mountain. Does this include March 15, 2021 fire area?

More details at sources, except there is no mention of the March 15, 2021 fire which burned 150 acres along South Mountain.

https://www.bradfordera.com/news/state/proposed-sale-of-camp-tuckahoe-could-help-local-boy-scout-council-replenish-its-reserves/article_6aa489c0-126e-51a9-955b-5b5323dd41ea.html

https://www.news-journal.com/cumberland-county-commissioners-vote-2-1-to-award-grant-for-land-project-on-south-mountain/article_cb2bbad8-f824-57f4-8f39-c09f16e1bb26.html

Edited by RememberSchiff
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