Over 500 acres of land burned, and over a half-million dollar price tag for fire response, resulted from a wildfire that ignited between Jim Thorpe and Franklin and Mahoning townships earlier this year.

The fire began on April 19 near the D&L Trail in Mahoning Township and rapidly spread on Bear Mountain, spurred on by dry conditions and winds that had been moving through the region.

Due to the growing size, the state sent crews from across Pennsylvania to help contain the fire. Drones, backfires and helicopter and aircraft water and fire suppressant dumps were utilized to fight the fire, which was declared contained nearly a week after it started.

Fire officials said 560 acres were lost in the Packerton incident.

Carbon County officials said the fire cost $500,000 to fight.

Personnel included Bureau of Forestry personnel, Bureau of Forestry support fire fighting crews, and multiple volunteer fire departments.

Larry Bickel, public information officer for the Packerton fire incident, said after the wildfire was contained that they were turning the incident back over to the district.

Bickel said the containment was made possible in large part because of the tools they were given to succeed including the resources and support.

When the fire first broke out, flames crept close to homes in Jim Thorpe and Long Run Road in Franklin Township. Volunteer firefighters were stationed near homes, putting out hot spots.

The origin of the fire remains to be determined.

The D&L Trail was temporarily closed from mile marker 102 to 107 while hazard tree falling work was being completed by firefighters for long-term public safety of trail users. The trail reopened as soon as the work was completed.

While the Packerton fire was winding down, the risk remained high for other fires.

Bickel said at that time the public was warned to be careful when using burn barrels, burning debris and having campfires. Bickel reminded people to pay attention to forecasts and to refrain from burning on red flag warning days.

The remnants of the fire could still be seen for days after it was contained.