Wildland Fire Crews made significant progress yesterday and last night in constructing secure containment lines on the Hopewell Fire. Crews yesterday were able to lay over 4000 feet of 1 ½ inch water hose line along the containment line in the area of St Peters Road. These hose lines also had smaller side laterals branching off from it every 200 feet to supply water to hand crews conducting the burn out operations. Once the burn out operations were completed, crews returned to mop up, an activity that ensures all hot spots burning near the control line are extinguished. The smoke plume from these operations was visible to many residents, which prompted calls to local 911 call centers.
Crews today will continue mop up operations in this area. These crews are comprised of Volunteer Fire Crews from the area as well as Bureau of Forestry Personnel from Williamsport, Clarion, and Clearfield. They are also patrolling the other parts of the control line. Presently, there is more than 6 miles of fire perimeter.
Of particular note is the cooperation of the residents along St Peters Road. They are treating the fire crews to extra snacks and goodies as they go in and out of the woods to the fire line. Signs expressing their thanks are also posted along St Peters Road.
Weather conditions for today are not as favorable as they have been in the past couple of days. Temperatures of 66 degrees, wind speeds of 18 mph, and a relative humidity of 19 percent are expected at the fire location. Erratic fire behavior in the fire area is expected.
Union Twp, Berks County and Warwick Twp, Chester County, now have open burn bans in effect. Residents of these municipalities are reminded that no open burning is permitted. There has been significant interest from the public as to wanting to see the fire area. The public is advised to keep away from the area. It is an extremely dangerous situation with many burnt falling dead trees. Hiking trails through French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace Historic Site east of Pa 345 (Shed Road) are closed. Persons trespassing in these areas will be cited. The St Peters Road and Hopewell road are restricted to access only by residents and fire control personnel.
The Pennsylvania Forest Fire Wardens Association District 17 has a website, www.pffwa17.org which contains a link to fire photos. Follow the Photo Gallery Link.
