Battling fire on Blue Mountain – Lehigh Valley Press

More than 200 volunteers work to contain blaze Firefighters on the scene of a massive wildfire on Blue Mountain continue their battle in a fight that has already claimed more than 550 acres.

Emergency personnel were working on a controlled back burn Nov. 3 to try and minimize the damage from the fire, which broke out the day before.

Lehigh Township Fire Department said in a post Sunday night that crews would create open areas between the homes on Timberline Road, Lehigh Township, and the burning section of the mountain.

"If the weather and winds are ideal, the plan is to ignite a line of fire to burn up to the active fire, in a controlled manner," the post stated. "This will create a safe barrier to the homes below. This is a commonly used technique."

Back burning is used to create a slow-moving fire that consumes fuel and prevents a wildfire from spreading. The fires are set to burn against the wind, which makes them slower and more controllable.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources began the controlled burn the night of Nov. 3 to contain the fire.

Fire departments have staged from the 4500-4900 block of Timberline Road, along the residences.

The department said the evening operation began 9:30 p.m., as the day shift crews ended their 12- to 14-hour shift and passed operations to the DCNR State Wildlands crews.

"The fire is moving slowly down the mountain as planned and the back burn secured the southwest area," the department said. "There are crews all around the fire overnight working and will be in structural protection locations into the morning."

The department said more flames may be visible as the fire enters its second night. The fire originally broke out early afternoon Nov. 2.

More than 200 firefighters — from Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Berks counties — have been on the scene, as have representatives from DCNR, Northampton County Emergency Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission and National Park Service.

Fire officials report they are making progress on the massive wildfire.

Greg Reese, DCNR spokesman, said 180 acres burned along the mountain outside of Palmerton as of Nov. 4. That total reportedly more than doubled overnight.

People reported more flames were visible from Palmerton and for miles, as of Nov. 3. Ash has fallen in yards of residents. There are reports of smelling smoke as far away as Luzerne and Berks counties.

Reese said no structures have been damaged. A hose line is set up behind homes on Timberline Road in Lehigh Township. Crews are cutting lines in the ground to box the fire in so it will burn itself out.

"Airdrops are making progress," Reese said.

Reportedly, 90% of the land that has burned is state game lands.

Wesley Robinson, DCNR press secretary, said the fire was about 28% contained, as of Nov. 4.

"We do not have a cause, and there likely will not be any info on a cause until after the fire has been suppressed," Robinson said. "There is no time frame for suppression at this point."

On Nov. 4, Lehigh Township Fire Company Assistant Chief Brian Krische said, "Three helicopters will be putting water on the fire today. We have our heavy equipment working to make fire breaks, which puts a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a brushfire or wildfire."

He said fresh crews of firefighters were armed with leaf blowers, gas for equipment, hedge trimmers and saws to form a line behind the homes and clear away trees, leaves and any other combustible material behind the homes on Timberline Road.

"This is just a precaution," Krische noted.

He checked to see how many fire personnel were also EMTs to make sure they had medical assistance in case of emergency on the mountain. A command center is set up at the Lehigh Township Municipal Building, 1069 Municipal Road.

The outpouring of donations has been so intense the fire department asked people to hold off on any further supplies because they are out of storage room.

"The amount of support is overwhelming. The community coming together like this is like nothing we have ever seen. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!" the department posted.

Lehigh Township has requested monetary donations for hot meals. Many restaurants have also donated meals. To donate, go to bit.ly/40x5JDf.

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Editor's note: Terry Ahner and Marta Gouger contributed to this .