LEHIGH TWP., Pa. — Crews responding to a fire that has been advancing down Blue Mountain are informing the public they are no longer in need of material donations.
Following a brush fire that started on the mountain Saturday and grew significantly overnight, community members in and around Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. came out in droves to offer support via requested contributions, including water, snacks, basic medical supplies and more.
The support was so much that the station’s Facebook page had to inform the community that they had reached capacity for those requests just before noon on Sunday.
The Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. thanked the community for its support while saying it is at capacity with contributions.
“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 post reads.
“Please, if you purchased anything already, save it for your family. We didn’t expect this outpouring and are completely stocked.”
Another post, issued shortly before that, also expressed thanks for “everyone who has been reaching out to help and drop off donations,” while linking to a Square page that is continuing to accept monetary donations.
As of Sunday, the fire company said crews are being deployed to multiple residences for structural protection along the mountain, with Timberline Road being closed in numerous locations, and the company advising residents to avoid the area.
Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand Jr. told LehighValleyNews.com the fire covered “about 40 acres” Saturday before potentially doubling or tripling overnight.
Hildebrand said the fire started near Route 248 on the mountain and spread eastward, and has proved challenging due to location, terrain, and drought conditions.
