NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. — Crews are battling a massive brush fire across 150 acres in Northampton County along the border with Carbon County.
Fire crews responded to the blaze in Lehigh Township near Palmerton around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Crews from Carbon, Monroe, Northampton, and Lehigh counties have been spending most of the weekend battling the fire.
Three helicopters were also brought in to help dump water on the flames.
"We haven't seen a fire comparable to the size in many, many years. We just happen to fall in the right weather conditions, the humidity, the air temperature, the wind, the dryness, the lack of rain, no more rain for probably 10 days, what they say, maybe so things can get worse before they can get better," said Asst. Chief Brian Krische, Lehigh Township Fire Department.
As firefighters battle the raging blaze, the community stepped in to help in any way they could.
"We put out a request of support from the local community just for a little bit of water donations to help us out for the guys to feed the guys," said Asst. Chief Kirsche.
"I've been watching it since yesterday. So I just thought it was a good opportunity to come out and help the community and also to teach my kids about helping others," said Jocelyn Eberhardt.
And that's just what they did by dropping off cases upon cases of water and tons of food.
"It's amazing how many people show up, how many supplies and everybody is chipping in and helping out. It's awesome. It really is nice to see," said Alex Eberhardt.
Hopefully, Mother Nature will bring some much-needed rain to the region. Until then, Assistant Chief Kirsche remains hopeful, "The fire is somewhat contained with the help of the aircraft right now, putting a stop on the eastern flank of the fire from spreading. It is working its way down a little bit where we have crews holding the lines down below the fire and the western flank is pretty much at a standstill right now."
The Lehigh Township Fire Chief is asking the community for water donations and food for the fire crews in Northampton County. More information can be found on their Facebook page by clicking here.