Photo by James Short.
Windy conditions are a likely cause of the continued reignited flames in the same vicinity
Fire-fighting first responders continue to battle brush fires in the Hilltown Township area of Bucks County. Both Montgomery and Bucks counties units have been dispatched to a blaze now reported near the Chalfont H&K Materials, along Skunk Hollow Road.
Thought nearly four miles by car from the three previously battled Peace Valley Park fires earlier this afternoon, the quarry is far closer gauging distance as the crow flies.
Units were called out around 3:38 p.m. Saturday to the area of the quarry for what was first reported as a 50-by-200-foot fire, which quickly doubled in size as more departments were called out.
Currently, fire departments from Doylestown, Plumsteadville, Dublin, Perkasie, Hilltown, Chalfont, and Silverdale are at the scene, along with other responding units. Witnesses have reported that the location of the fire and fighting it near quarry walls is presenting first responders with a challenge in putting out the flames.
Those at the scene said that some of the fire departments’ tankers are clearing the area, while the smoke originally seen from several miles away, has died down somewhat. At this time, units continue to work at the scene.
A temporary burn ban, set to last 30 days, remains in effect after Bucks County Commissioners established the ruling on Oct. 25. Dry, drought-like conditions, as well as high winds, have made the area prone to dangerous and spreading fires.
