Active Wildfire on Appalachian Trail Near Lehigh Gap Burns 150 Acres

A wildfire is burning on Blue Mountain’s eastern slopes near the Lehigh Gap in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, prompting officials to close part of the Appalachian Trail. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the blaze has burned 150 acres of forest as of Sunday.

Firefighting Efforts

Fire crews from the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched Sunday morning to Timberline Road to contain the fire. Due to the fire’s close proximity to homes, firefighters set a line of controlled burns, creating a barrier to keep the flames from reaching residential areas along Timberline Road’s 4500 to 4900 blocks.

The fire affects both the Appalachian Trail and the surrounding residential communities. Photo via Overload Images.

“Yesterday around 1 pm, we were dispatched for a fire on the mountain. Crews arrived and we got up to the point where the fire was located. Because of the ideal weather conditions, the humidity, the temperature, and the wind direction, the fire took off from there,” said Chief Krische.

Firefighters were unable to navigate the difficult terrain in the darkness, and had to wait for sunrise to continue firefighting efforts.

“At 10 pm last night, crews were pulled off the mountain for safety concerns and put back on the mountain this morning along with two DCNR helicopters and bulldozers to clear fire lines,” Chief Krische explained. 

Due to the terrain and challenges posed by darkness, firefighting efforts were paused until morning. Photo via Overload Images.

As of Sunday evening, no residential buildings were affected by the fire, and first responders are putting the focus on community safety as they work to stop the flames. The Lehigh Township Fire Chief is asking the community for water donations and food for the fire crews in Northampton County. More information can be found on their Facebook page here.

Impact on the Appalachian Trail

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center confirmed that a portion of the Appalachian Trail is closed to hikers on the eastern side of the Lehigh Gap as the blaze continues. Wildfires have been unusually active in the region this fall.

The Appalachian Trail remains closed near Lehigh Gap. Photo via Overload Images.

To reduce wildfire risk, hikers should keep campfires small, use designated fire areas, and fully extinguish fires before leaving. Better yet, avoid lighting a campfire unless necessary. Follow local fire restrictions and help protect trails by practicing safe fire habits.

Featured image via Overload Images.