Wildfire Rages in Pennsylvania Threatens Homes – Firefighters Battle 40-Acre Blaze in Massachusetts

Wildfire Rages in Pennsylvania Threatens Homes – Firefighters Battle 40-Acre Blaze in Massachusetts

Firefighters battle wildfire in Pennsylvania

Wildfire Rages in Pennsylvania Threatens Homes A brush fire broke out on Blue Mountain in Lehigh Township, Pennsylvania, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2, 2024, near Route 248. The blaze continued to burn into Sunday, though it posed no immediate threat to homes, and no injuries have been reported, according to the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Fire crews, who were pulled back from the mountain on Saturday night, returned Sunday morning to continue battling the flames with additional support from aircraft and heavy equipment. The fire department assured residents on social media that they would be monitoring the situation closely and deploying crews to protect any homes if they became threatened.

The fire ignited amid a red flag warning for the Lehigh Valley and other Pennsylvania areas due to extremely dry conditions. Parts of the region are currently experiencing “moderate” to “severe” drought, as noted by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The fire company is tracking the fire’s progress with cameras and personnel, coordinating with local and state agencies to develop a containment plan. Residents have been asked to avoid the area, and donations of water or other supplies for the firefighters are being accepted at the fire station at 4188 Lehigh Drive in Cherryville. The department expressed gratitude for community support, inviting donations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday and leaving items by the station entrance if arriving outside these hours.

Wildfire Rages in Pennsylvania Threatens Homes  A brush fire in Northampton, Massachusetts, has doubled in size overnight, growing to around 40 acres as of Saturday, according to local police and fire departments. This fire is one of several major blazes reported in the area over the past day.

The fire initially reached 21 acres by Friday evening and was partially contained. However, high winds and dry conditions overnight caused it to expand further. Firefighters had paused active efforts overnight for safety, monitoring the blaze by drone, and returned with a team of 50 on Saturday morning to work on containment.

The fire is centered in a conservation area spanning a valley and swamp, and currently poses no threat to buildings or homes. Officials confirmed there are no anticipated evacuations at this time.

This incident is one of 113 wildfires reported across Massachusetts in the past week, with about 10 new fires emerging over the last 24 hours, according to Jake Wark, spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal’s office. The western and central parts of the state experienced several significant fires Friday night into Saturday morning, contributing to an October total of 200 wildfires—well above the state’s usual monthly average of 15. Human activity is believed to be the primary cause of these fires.

More than half of Massachusetts’ wildfires this year occurred in October, fueled by drought, high temperatures, and wind. With 45% of homes near wooded areas, residents face an increased fire risk.

The State Fire Marshal’s office has urged residents to follow these precautions:

1. Open burning is prohibited statewide until January and restricted year-round in many areas.
2. Avoid outdoor cooking and heating, as sparks from grills, fire pits, and chimineas can ignite dry foliage.
3. Be cautious with power equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers; hot engines or sparks can start fires.
4. Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves safely, placing them in a metal container with water and a lid.
5. Extinguish smoking materials in water or sand, and avoid discarding them in dry vegetation or on structures like balconies and stairways.

Wildfire Rages in Pennsylvania Threatens Homes  A brush fire in Northampton’s conservation area has grown substantially overnight, now covering about 40 acres as of Saturday morning, Northampton Fire Rescue reported. The fire is centered in a valley and swamp area within the conservation zone and has not reached any nearby structures or homes, with no immediate threat to buildings.

As of the latest update at 9 a.m. Saturday, no evacuations have been ordered or are anticipated. Authorities have requested that the public avoid the area to allow firefighters to work without obstruction. Around 50 firefighters are actively working on fire lines to contain the blaze.