A brush fire that broke out Sunday morning atop the Blue Mountain, right in the middle of Lehigh and Carbon counties, burned 87 acres.

Greg Reese, Wildland Fire Specialist supervisor for the William Penn Forest District, said Tuesday morning the fire is now 100% contained.

“The rain was a huge help,” said Reese, who added there were eight individuals on the fire today. “We will have folks on fire patrol tomorrow.”

Reese said the incident was dispatched at 11 a.m. Sunday as a brush fire on top of the Appalachian Trail.

He said the Appalachian Trail is reopened to the public.

Reese said the fire is still under investigation and the area will be patrolled the next few days.

Reese said Monday morning the National Park Service was present at the fire assisting with fire suppression, and put up trail closure signs.

On Tuesday, they were removing the closure signs.

He said also assisting at the scene were various fire departments from Carbon and Lehigh counties, along with assistance from Weiser State Forest.

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center posted on its Facebook page Monday morning that the brush fire was reported on the ridge along the Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge. Crews responded rapidly and have worked around the clock to suppress and contain the fire.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center sends its sincere gratitude to all who have supported this effort.

“A great way to support our amazing first responders is through a monetary donation to your local volunteer fire company,” the post states. “LGNC’s trails and an adjoining section of the Appalachian Trail will remain closed as crews continue to work on the site.”

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center said responding crews included DCNR, Emerald, Friedens, Germansville, Klecknersville Rangers, Lehigh County Drone Team, Lehigh County Forestry Task Force, Lehigh County Rehab, Lehigh Township, Macungie Ambulance, National Park Service, Neffs, New Tripoli, Northampton Borough, Northern Bucks Wildland Crew, Palmerton Borough, Slatedale, Slatington, Walnutport and Woodlawn.

Back on Nov. 2, 2024, a weeklong wildfire erupted on the Blue Mountain near the Appalachian Trail and Route 248.

The wildfire, which initially started in Lehigh Township, rapidly spread due to dry weather conditions and strong winds, threatening local wildlife habitats, infrastructure and natural resources.

The wildfire was one of the worst ever in the region, as it burned over 500 acres.

Burn ban in Carbon

As of Monday, Carbon County has been placed in a burn ban, which means no outdoor burning of any kind due to increased fire danger and dry conditions.

During a burn ban, individuals cannot:

• Burn brush, leaves, or yard waste.

• Have campfires or bonfires.

• Burn trash or debris.

• Use burn barrels or open pits.

• Conduct any open burning without proper authorization.

Even small fires can quickly get out of control and put lives, homes and first responders at risk.

However, individuals may still be allowed to use:

• Propane or gas grills (check local regulations).

• Charcoal grills (use extreme caution and never leave unattended).

Resident are encouraged to do their part to keep the community safe, and if they see smoke or an unattended fire, report it immediately.

“One spark is all it takes. Stay safe and respect the burn ban,” county officials state.