Fire ignites woodlands across West Mahanoy Twp. near Frackville
May 14—A large brush fire, believed to have been caused by a campfire, spread through the woods in parts of West Mahanoy Twp. on Sunday afternoon.
Altamont Fire Chief Jim Bechtel said crews were called around 1:20 p.m. to a fire that had spread across forested areas near the township to the east of Frackville.
The fire is believed to have started when a man, who was camping in the woods, started a campfire and it got "out of control," Bechtel said.
Fire crews from across Schuylkill County — including 29 brush units and five engines — were called to the scene.
A Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources forestry crew also responded.
Bechtel said the fire could have affected up to 40 acres of woodlands in the area.
Although it is unclear where it started, the fire was highly visible from Whippoorwill Dam and from the Laurel Ridge housing development along Morea Road.
The fire sent large plumes of smoke into the air that could be seen from many of the surrounding areas.
"Where it started directly, I don't know," Bechtel said.
As of 5 p.m., crews were still working to extinguish the fire. Many firefighters were stationed near homes along Judy Lane and Lia Road in case the fire spread to the Laurel Ridge development.
Bechtel said that, as of Sunday afternoon, firefighters had not had a chance to speak to the man who is believed to have started the campfire.
After the initial alarms, parts of Morea Road were cordoned off throughout the afternoon.
Altamont Assistant Fire Chief Tim Wolfe said the low humidity and dry brush and leaf conditions could have contributed to the fire's spread.
"The fire crew I had up here made a very good attack," said Wolfe, who was stationed at the dam. "They kept the fire from coming up this way and kept it from hitting the homes."
No injuries to firefighters were reported, according to Bechtel.
An investigation into the fire is ongoing.
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
