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Massive Brush Fires Intentionally Set, Homes in Danger

PORTER TOWNSHIP — For five days now, crews have been fighting two massive brush fires in the Poconos. Now, authorities say they were intentionally set. Of...
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PORTER TOWNSHIP -- For five days now, crews have been fighting two massive brush fires in the Poconos. Now, authorities say they were intentionally set.

Officials are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible for starting two fires in and around the Delaware State Forest.

While the fire that was set in Monroe County is now under control, a wooded area of Pike County continues to burn.

Forestry officials said the fire in Pike County has moved northeast, and advised county officials to start telling people in the Pine Flats area to leave their homes.

Helicopters dropped water onto burning woods, trying to stop what is now being called the Cresco Complex Fire near the Pike and Monroe County line.

From high in the sky atop the High Knob fire tower in Blooming Grove Township, a worker with the Bureau of Forestry uses a map and compass to track the fires progress.

“160 firefighters fighting the fire right now, including a hot shot crew from New Mexico. There are three bulldozers,” said forester Robert Martynowych.

Officials say the fire has already consumed three homes and a cabin in Porter Township, in Pike County.

The destruction is especially troubling to Martynowych because investigators say the fires were intentionally set.

“It does bother me. It scares me. It makes me mad, but particularly for the people who lost their homes.”

Officials are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone who is responsible for starting the fires.

The Fritz family has a cabin near the fire tower. They have been taking precautions due to the high fire risk.

“It is a little concerning. If the woods catch fire here, the whole area could go up,” said Clayton Fritz of Blooming Grove Township.

They are disturbed to hear that the smoke on the horizon is not an act of God.

“Why someone would even want to do something like that, I don't know.”

Anyone with information about how the fires were started is asked to call the Bureau of Forestry.

Officials say people who live near the brush fire should expect to see smoke in their neighborhoods until the flames are extinguished.

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