Wildfire — Northampton, Pennsylvania

2015-04-06 · Northampton, Pennsylvania

Wider weather episode

The combination of gusty south to southwest winds and drying conditions led to several wildfires across Eastern Pennsylvania on the 6th and resulted in one fatality, a couple of injuries and minor property damage.

In Northampton County, on the afternoon of the 6th, in Lower Saucon Township, a 72-year-old man died after a burning debris fire started by him, spread to his home, two other out buildings and burned about two acres of timber. Along the Lehigh and Carbon County line on the Blue Mountains, a brush fire burned about 27 acres along the Appalachian Trail before it was contained. The fire started during the late afternoon of the 6th and affected Washington Township in Lehigh County and northwest of Pennsylvania State Routes 248 and 873 near Lehigh Gap (East Penn Township) in Carbon County. Because of the location, fire fighters used helicopters and aircraft to assist in battling the blaze. Local firefighters from eight departments assisted on foot. In Montgomery County, in New Hanover Township, an afternoon wildfire consumed twelve acres of timber near the intersection of Colflesh and Church Roads. Three firefighters suffered dehydration and the wildfire threatened one home. In Monroe County, in Paradise Township, an afternoon brush fire consumed about six acres on Bush Road before it was contained. The garage of one home was damaged.

The peak wind gusts on the 6th included 30 mph at the Philadelphia International Airport and Mount Pocono (Monroe County) and, 26 mph at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 572636. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.