Reward in 16-Mile fire investigation goes up again

HARRISBURG — The state Bureau of Forestry has increased the reward offered in its investigation of a spring arson case, which scorched more than 8,000 acres of woodlands on the Monroe-Pike county line.
The bureau is now offering $20,000 for information leading to arrests and convictions in what investigators say were two fires intentionally set. Labeled the 16-Mile and Beartown fires, the wildfires were discovered April 20 and burned through May 2 in Delaware State Forest.
In June, a private landowner affected by the 16-Mile Fire increased his reward to $10,000, adding $5,000 to the award he already offered, said Michael Kern, chief of the bureau’s Division of Forest Fire Protection.
“With DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry now matching that amount, we’re hoping a reward totaling $20,000 will encourage someone to come forward with the lead or leads we need in our ongoing investigation," he said.
Kern said both fires were caused by arson.
“These fires put lives and property at major risk while spanning almost two weeks and burning across about 8,700 acres," he said.
The wildfires cost $2 million to tamp down. More than 100 bureau personnel rotated in and out of fire scenes, assisted by federal, state, and local emergency and other personnel, along with a Smokey Bear Hotshot firefighting team from New Mexico.
A Delaware State Forest cabin colony was evacuated and multiple state forest roads were closed during the fires, which burned two leased cabins, three seasonal homes and six outbuildings. One firefighter suffered a minor injury.
Fighting the fire was complicated by rugged terrain, windy, dry weather and dead trees left by gypsy moth infestations.
“Intentionally setting a wildfire is arson and we take that very seriously," said Kern. "We are asking anyone who may have information to come forward,” Kern said. “Any information offered on anyone or anything suspicious observed in that area will be treated with utmost importance and strictest confidence.”
Forward information to bureau Special Investigator Terry Smith at 717-362-1472 or terrsmith@pa.gov, or by calling 570-895-4000. Anonymous tips also will be accepted but do not qualify for the reward.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resource's Bureau of Forestry is responsible for protecting Pennsylvania’s 17 million acres of public and private woodlands from damage by wildfire.
For information on wildfire prevention, visit dcnr.pa.gov (select “Forestry” under “Quick Links” then “Wildland Fire”).