Crews were working through the night to battle a wind-driven fire on Neversink Mountain in Reading.

The fire broke out around midnight and spread quickly. It was visible for miles.

Mayor Eddie Moran said the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ forestry division is leading firefighting and cleanup operations, which are expected to continue for several days.

The division is working with city fire departments and other Berks County fire departments to control the fire and is also coordinating any additional resources needed, he said.

“Our firefighters truly deserve a huge thank you,” said Councilman Jaime Baez Jr.. “We see time and time again their unwavering dedication to our city and its residents. »

Baez, who represents council District 2, said the firefighters’ quick action and courage were and remain crucial to protecting homes in the area as the fire continues to burn.

Authorities evacuated the 1300 block of Fairview Street due to the threat of fire spreading there, and nearby streets were also put on alert.

The Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross announced it was operating a temporary evacuation center for affected residents at Amanda E. Stout Elementary School, 321 S. 10th St.

“I am deeply grateful to the city’s firefighters, emergency responders and the Reading School District for their quick willingness to provide safe shelter to impacted residents,” Moran said.

The mayor said he is also grateful to the city’s residents, who have stepped up to support each other during this difficult time.

His sentiments echo those of Baez who also expressed his thanks to the community.

“While fortunately no one was injured, we know this can and has had an emotional and mental impact on residents,” Baez said. “This experience brings a sense of anxiety and I am glad that as residents we are truly sticking together and looking out for each other. »

The councilman said he received calls and texts throughout the night from relatives, friends and constituents concerned about his safety and that of other residents in the neighborhood.

Former city councilor Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz lives just a block from the evacuated area.

She slept little after the fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Friday.

“I was walking down the street with the first responders as they were telling people to evacuate,” Goodman-Hinnershitz said.

Some residents were in denial and reluctant to leave their homes, she said.

It is difficult for people to leave their homes and all their belongings behind, said Council President Donna.

“I don’t rule it out,” she said, “but the lives of human beings are more important than things. If you are told to evacuate, please evacuate. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Reed also expressed concern for those living in a known encampment on the mountain near St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery on South Street.

“I just hope they are safe and have somewhere warm to go,” she said.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time, she noted, and has not been linked to the campsite.

Berks County and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania were under a Red Flag Fire Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, on Friday.

Meteorologists warned of critical fire weather conditions due to a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity. They said growing fires could quickly become out of control and difficult to contain. The region has been experiencing extremely dry conditions since late summer.

NWS officials said there remains an increased risk of fire spread today. Northwest winds this morning will range from 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop during the afternoon as winds shift north and decrease to 5 to 10 mph. These conditions will favor the spread of fires, forecasters said.

Berks County commissioners have issued a ban on open fires. The measure prohibits burning leaves, grass, twigs, trash, paper, vegetative matter related to land clearing or any sort of debris outdoors, whether in a burn barrel or on the ground.

Violators are liable to summary offence, with escalating fines for repeated offences.

Cooking on backyard grills is still permitted, but authorities have urged those using them to exercise caution.

Anyone needing assistance from the Red Cross should call 1-800-733-2767.

Originally published: November 9, 2024 at 6:20 a.m. EST