Firefighters are making progress in containing the massive fire that erupted Saturday on the Blue Mountain in Lehigh Gap.

As of Thursday morning, the burned area held firm at 577 acres, but was now up to 58% containment, said Bob Kurilla, public information officer, Bureau of Forestry’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Incident Management Team.

“We’re not anticipating the footprint of the fire to change,” Kurilla said. “If we have another good day today, that (percent of containment) will rise.”

Kurilla said that firing operations have been completed, and the fire is in a mop up and patrol status right now as firefighters continue to try to get everything cooled down.

He added they used two chains (132 feet), and that there are still some snags to be filled, though they were able to get quite a few the last couple of days, and have one helicopter today sitting over at the Slatington site.

However, Kurilla cautioned that firefighters have to watch the weather again, as there isn’t any moisture expected until Sunday.

“Overall, things are looking good,” he said. “We have adequate resources at the fire.”

Kurilla said, “They flew over the fire yesterday and looked for anything they could find; it looked real good from the air,” he said. “Reports coming in from the ground is there is still a lot of heat because the fire’s burning at different places, and you’re going to see that until we get good soaking rains or snow.

“Right now we’re not anticipating any control problems so we’re hoping things will stay where they are. With the winds picking up though, humidity, still got that warm breezy dry weather which is something (where) if you get anything going could spread fire. We are available to assist with any initial attacks nearby if anything gets going.”

Kurilla said a firefighter was treated for dehydration issue, but has recovered.

The drought conditions, coupled with all the leaf litter being dried out, winds and low relative humidity and warm temperatures, have complicated the situation.

“It’s no doubt a more complex incident,” he said. “We’re able to bring in the resources we needed, we’re set up to do that throughout the state. Eventually, you turn the tide on it and you gets things done.

“It’s just going to take a little while; we’re dealing with steep country (terrain); it is a nasty place to fight fire (on) this part of the Blue Mountain. “It’s not something that you’re going to be able to keep to a quarter acre or so; it definitely had potential and did grow.”

Kurilla said that for the safety of the firefighters, they had to go to indirect tactics and work safely.

“Basically we used the ridge top and some roads and put in hand lines where we could, and used dozers where we could and got it boxed in little bit larger,” he said. “The way this one was, that’s the safest approach.”

Kurilla added that it’s “not unusual for a fire to grow like it is out here.”

The smoke has calmed down.

“The fortunate thing is we have it at a good place right now,” he said. “Hopefully it will continue. We got a lot of people who are continuing their hard work and get this mopped up.”

Kurilla was quick to heap praise on all those who helped.

“All of the volunteers that have been out here from day one, the volunteer fire companies, ambulance services, and support people keeping people fed,” he said. “They’ve all been wonderful.”

The Appalachian Trail is closed from Lehigh Gap to Little Gap.

People are also asked to hold off with donations of food and supplies.

If needs arise, the department will post an announcement.