Dear Editor:

Every day as we go about our normal lives, we encounter heroes.During the weekend of April 18-19, a number of heroes were in our midst as hundreds of firefighters paid and volunteer alike answered the call to duty and courageously fought a massive wildfire on Blue Mountain in Lehigh and Carbon counties, which consumed more than 400 acres.According to initial reports, firefighters from Lehigh, Carbon and Schuylkill counties, as well as those from the Harrisburg, Chester, Lancaster and Montgomery County areas fought the blaze all weekend long.The hundreds of firefighters who responded to the scene are to be commended for their dedication to fighting this fire, and keeping lives and properties safe.No injuries were reported and no structures were in danger thanks in large part to these first responders.Because most of our fire companies are operated by volunteers, my colleagues in the state House and I are constantly grateful for the service they offer our communities. We are proud of these men and women who not only protect our own hometowns but who willingly cross municipal and county borders to help their fellow first responders.This fire is a sad reminder that we all must be cognizant of the dry conditions that make forest and brush fires so dangerous and that we must continue to practice fire prevention methods all year round.Again, my deepest thanks to all of our first responders.Gary W. DayState representative187th District