LEHIGH TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Officials with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources estimate that 150 acres have been since Saturday afternoon's brush fire.
Authorities say that number is expected to climb to over 200 acres when all is said and done.
Officials say the fire is currently at 20% containment with air drops making progress on slowing down the fire.
The County of Northampton stated that a Type 3 Incident Management Team will arrive on Monday November 4 to evaluate the damage.
According to a post made by the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company, crews are creating open areas between the homes on Timberline Road and the burning section of the mountain.
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They will then ignite a fire along that line to burn up to the active fire if the winds and weather ideal creating a safe barrier to the homes.
From the 4500 to the 4900 block of Timberline Road there will be crews staged along all of those residences during this backburn to monitor and control the fire.
Authorities say that a command center has been established at the township's municipal building, 1069 Municipal Road Walnutport PA 18088, to monitor the fire by cameras and is taking donations for the crews battling the fire.
Officials advise people to stay clear of the area as there will be numerous aircrafts and heavy equipment arriving Sunday morning with Route 248 being closed from the intersections of Timberline Drive and PA-145.
Fire Department personnel along with state and local officials are developing a plan of action to contain the fire.
Smoke and flames can still be seen from miles away over Blue Mountain as crews are working to get the fire under control.
Photos courtesy of Channel 1 News:
Crews were called to the intersection of Mountain Road and Lehigh Drive in Lehigh Township just before 2:00 p.m. in response to a half-acre brush fire.
Officials say there have been no injuries and units will be deployed to any homes that become threatened.
