04/13/2026
Incident Update – Brush Fire Response
Sunday, April 12 | 10:15 AM
On Sunday, April 12th at approximately 10:15 AM, the Washington Township Fire Companies were dispatched to a reported brush fire within the Nature Preserve. Upon dispatch, Chief 6 (Emerald) was advised that the caller’s location was on top of Blue Mountain, with access limited to foot travel only.
The Lehigh County Forestry Task Force, along with Emerald Fire Company, conducted an initial size-up to assess fire conditions and determine the resources required for suppression efforts.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the National Park Service provided critical support, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter operations.
Assisting agencies included Slatington, Friedens, Neffs, Slatedale, Lehigh Township, Northampton Borough, Palmerton Borough, Walnutport, New Tripoli, Germansville, New Tripoli, Woodlawn, the Lehigh County Drone Team, Northern Bucks Wildland Crew, Lehigh County Rehab, DCNR, Klecknersville Rangers, Macungie Ambulance, and the U.S. Park Service.
Fire crews are currently engaged in nighttime operations, with personnel positioned along the fire line monitoring fire behavior and working to contain its spread.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the community for the generous donations of food and refreshments. Rehab 101 continues to ensure that supplies are delivered to personnel operating on the front lines.
At this time, the fire has not yet been fully extinguished, and significant work remains. Crews will resume operations Monday morning to continue suppression and containment efforts.
