Brush fire burns in wooded area of Solebury
🔥The fire started Friday afternoon deep in the woods of Solebury near Aquatong Rd
🔥Three dozen fire companies helped extinguish the flames
🔥Private companies helped clear a path to the fire for firefighters
SOLEBURY,Pa. — Firefighters from two states continue to battle a tough brush fire in a wooded area Saturday.
The fire was first reported early Friday afternoon in the area between Winfield Lane and Aquetong Road near the New Hope Ivyland Railroad train tracks, according to Solebury Township police. Two dozen fire departments from Bucks and Montgomery Counties and New Jersey all responded to put out the fire as it went to three alarms, according to 6 ABC Action News.
A cold front that crossed the area kicked up the winds and brought down the humidity created ideal conditions for fire to spread quickly, according to NJ 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow.
Midway Volunteer Fire Company spokesman Hugh Hager told 6 ABC Action News that a New Hope & Ivyland Railroad project to restore railroad ties made access to the fire difficult. Two bulldozers and a skid steer are cutting through the fire line.
The railroad also supplied water tankers to help firefighters. All Saturday trips were canceled due to the fire at the request of fire officials.
The fire was considered to be under control Friday, according to Solebury police. Firefighers were still on the the scene Saturday monitoring for hot spots.
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Resident Hugh Marshall told Fox Philadelphia that his company and others helped clear away brush to help firefighters get to the fires. One machine opened up the brush and a second got it out of the way, according to Marshall.
The smell of smoke will likely linger in the area until a soaking rain can fully put out the fire, according to Zarrow.
All of Bucks County is under a ban on open burning ban that took effect on Oct. 27 due to the current drouught conditions and a serious lack of rain.
The ban prohibits open fires, including the incineration of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and other materials whether in burn barrels, fire rings or on the ground.
The fire was considered to be completely extinguished late Saturday afternoon, according to Solebury police and all roads reopened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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