Two large wildfires continued to burn across Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County yesterday, consuming more than 1,300 acres and prompting voluntary evacuation recommendations, according to multiple news outlets.
The extent to which recent rainfall has impacted the wildfires is not yet known, but the region is likely to continue to experience warm, dry conditions with low humidity and gusty winds, which have contributed to the persistence and spread of the fires.
These weather conditions have maintained an elevated risk for wildfire activity across the Mid-Atlantic, including Pennsylvania
The local fires have affected residents in Gardners, Shippensburg, and other towns.
The Thompson Hollow Fire, which began Wednesday evening near Shippensburg and Baltimore Roads, has reportedly grown to approximately 1,150 acres. Voluntary evacuations have been recommended for residents along Thompson Hollow Road, Three Turn Road, and sections of Shippensburg and Whitmer Roads. According to WGAL, a check-in point for evacuees has been established at 2460 Shippensburg Road.
A second fire, the Hammonds Rock Fire, is near Ridge and Cold Springs Roads. According to Local 21 TV news, that fire has spread to over 200 acres. While no structures are currently threatened, Ridge Road and Cold Springs Road have been closed, and Buck Ridge Trail is inaccessible between Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Kings Gap Environmental Education Center.
The Cumberland County Department of Public Safety issued evacuation recommendations for the affected areas and opened a shelter at the Southampton Township municipal building at 200 Airport Road in Shippensburg.
The American Red Cross has established a shelter for residents who are evacuating. Residents who need overnight accommodations can go to the First Assembly of God Church located at 420 Baltimore Road, Shippensburg.
Firefighting efforts have included personnel from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and local volunteer fire companies. Helicopters are reportedly assisting by collecting water from Laurel Lake, which has been closed to the public.
Smoke from the fires is affecting air quality in the region, particularly along the I-81 corridor. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued warnings urging sensitive individuals to avoid outdoor activities and monitor air quality levels.
How You Can Help
You can help by sharing this information with your friends and advising them to avoid the areas of Michaux State Forest north of Rt 30, Kings Gap and Pine Grove State Park, and the roads surrounding the area.
Support our First-Responders: Needs vary based on each Fire Department, but consider support through monetary donations or non-perishable items like Gatorade, snacks, and water at stations.
Here are some resources to stay up to date on the fires.
- PA DCNR and Michuax State Forest will continue to provide mapping and reports of fire containment.
- Use this tool by the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program to monitor air quality and fire locations.
For updated information, residents are encouraged to consult the Pennsylvania DCNR and Cumberland County Department of Public Safety websites.