No injuries have been reported in the forest fire in French Creek State Park, officials say.
Authorities in eastern Pennsylvania say a forest fire has prompted evacuation of some nearby residences, but no injuries have been reported.Berks County emergency officials said fire crews were battling the blaze in French Creek State Park on Monday night. Today, officials said they had contained the fire but not yet brought it under control.
WFMZ-TV reported Union Township officials had ordered the evacuation of homes along four roads near the fire. Township officials said on their website that an emergency shelter had been set up at Immaculate Conception Social Hall.
The station reported that crews had been trying to keep the flames from spreading to a nearby fireworks factory, but emergency officials said late Monday night that the factory was no longer threatened.
Chris Novak of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said today that a fire line was dug around the blaze, and diminishing winds and increasing humidity help reduce the chances the fire will spread.
Between 450 and 600 acres are involved.
Novak says firefighters are using a helicopter to help douse the flames, and that it will take a couple of days to confirm that the fire is out.