Blue Mountain Fire: A wildfire on Blue Mountain in Northampton and Lehigh Counties continued to burn late into Saturday night, prompting an extensive response from local and state firefighting crews. The blaze, situated near Route 248 close to the Appalachian Trail, sent plumes of smoke visible from around the Lehigh Valley, creating widespread concern among residents. (Fire News Today).

As of Saturday evening, crews were withdrawn from the mountain due to safety concerns, with no reported injuries. According to Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co., firefighters were safely pulled off the rugged terrain shortly before 11:30 p.m., and efforts to control the fire are set to resume with additional resources Sunday morning, including firefighting aircraft and heavy equipment.

The command center, established to monitor and coordinate the containment efforts, is working with local and state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Authorities advise residents to stay out of the affected area, while teams are prepared to protect homes if they come under threat. Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the Northampton County 911 Center.

The fire’s spread is worsened by dry, windy conditions that have elevated the wildfire risk. Although a red flag warning was in effect Friday, it was lifted on Saturday. However, the National Weather Service continues to caution that fire danger remains high in the region, especially as additional brush fires were reported in nearby Carbon County on Friday and Saturday. Many municipalities have also implemented burn bans to reduce risk.

The challenging, rocky terrain of Blue Mountain has made firefighting efforts difficult, but the community remains hopeful that incoming resources and a strategic response will help contain the fire in the coming days.