Congressman Ryan Mackenzie visits firefighters near site of Bear Mountain fire, which has burned around 560 acres

JIM THORPE, Pa. - A congressman representing the Lehigh Valley and Carbon County visited firefighters and local emergency officials near the site of the Bear Mountain fire that has burned more than 500 acres.

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, who represents the 7th Congressional District, met with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at the Carbon County Emergency Management Agency field site for an update on efforts to contain the fire.

He also traveled to affected sites, met with firefighters, and donated supplies, according to a news release from Mackenzie's Communications Director Arnaud Armstrong. At one stop, Mackenzie met with firefighters who successfully stopped the fire within close proximity of local homes, Armstrong said.

Larry Bickel, of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says crews have the wildfire in and around the area of Jim Thorpe about 53% contained. 

He says roughly 560 acres have been burned. Bickel says west winds on the eastern fire front, in Franklin Township, have posed some minor challenges Tuesday, but he tells 69 News crews have slowed it down considerably.

Bickel says the D & L Trail, from the Lehigh Gorge to Hickory Run — Mile Marker 107 to MM 102 near Jim Thorpe, is closed as a precaution until further notice.

“I join the people of Carbon County in thanking the hundreds of firefighters who are doing incredible work to contain the Bear Mountain fire,” said Congressman Mackenzie.

“Thanks to their efforts, no local homes have been lost, and we pray that this remains the case. We also want to recognize the people of Carbon County for the tremendous outpouring of support that they have shown for the firefighters who have traveled from all over the state. The men and women on the ground are very grateful for your generosity.”

Armstrong says Mackenzie and his office are actively monitoring the situation.

Emergency officials continue to ask that local civilians pay attention to the news and refrain from operating any civilian drones in the area of the fire, Mackenzie's office said.

Mackenzie is also asking local residents to support their local volunteer firefighters, no matter where they are.

“While this fire is impacting Carbon County, the next emergency could be in another part of the Lehigh Valley or the Poconos,” said Congressman Mackenzie.

“No matter the area, local volunteer fire companies are counting on their communities for support, whether that be non-perishables, monetary donations, or volunteerism. We’re grateful to all volunteer firefighters in our region for the work that they do to keep our communities safe."