On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, a brush fire started on Blue Mountain. The fire quickly spread due to high winds and weeks without rain made it almost impossible to stop.
Crews from multiple counties including Leigh, Carbon, Northampton, and Monroe County continued to battle the blaze for nearly two weeks. The fire, originally starting as a small brush fire, grew to 600 acres. The State Fire Commissioner’s office confirms that the Blue Mountain wildfire is 100 percent contained at this time.
This fire started while Pennyslyvannia was and still is under a burn ban, meaning all outdoor fire pits, bonfires, and campfires are not allowed until the state lifts the ban. The burn ban was initiated by severe drought and strong winds throughout October and November due to the high risk of one spark or ember causing a blaze to quickly escalate to a wildfire.