All hands on deck
For local residents and firefighters, the weekend with its fairly mild weather was anything but a relaxing spring break.
The wind-whipped forest fire that charred more than 400 acres in East Penn Township drew firefighters from a wide region and forced people out of their homes.
The fire burned most of the weekend, challenging emergency response units pressed into service around the clock.
The blaze was visible from as far away as Summit Hill.
As night fell, the bright glow of flames drew camera buffs as the fire began to cross over the mountaintop in the direction of Slatedale in Lehigh County.
Carbon County fire response units were aided by counterparts in Monroe, Schuylkill and Lehigh counties.
Additional firefighting units were summoned from as far as New Ringgold, 18 miles away.
Units equipped with forestry expertise and equipment, such as South Ward Fire Company in Tamaqua, were dispatched both days.
Helicopters and air tankers were pressed into service.
Eventually, units from as far away as Harrisburg, Chester and Lancaster arrived to give local responders a break.
Fire police handled traffic detail, a job that grew exponentially more difficult as time went on. Word spread about the fire's magnitude and sightseers gathered.
By 2 p.m. Sunday, cars were lined up on both sides of Route 895 in Ashfield, and people strolled the street, some taking photos and others checking on neighbors.
By 5 p.m., police shut down the road in the interest of safety.
It seems a time of crisis brings out the best in people, and the Blue Mountain fire was no different.
Concerned residents and businesses offered help in a variety of ways.
Pappy's Corner Store in Bowmanstown provided food and beverages, as did residents and fire companies.
Christ Evangelical Free Church offered a safe haven for evacuated families.
The American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter Saturday night in Slatedale.
There's no question the forest fire tested the mettle of volunteer emergency responders and local residents.
Firefighters had their hands full, and they proved themselves up to the task.
Resident Lisa Schneck posted this comment on Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company's Facebook page: "You are all the true unsung heroes. May God bless you all and keep you out of harm's way!"
Similar sentiments were expressed by countless others.
As bad as it was, the fire could've been far worse.
Fortunately, fast action and skilled response by units throughout the region spared homes and lives.
And for that, we're grateful.
By DONALD R. SERFASS
dserfass@tnonline.com
