READING, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Firefighters in Berks County are battling a major brush fire on Neversink Mountain.<\/p>\n
Crews were called out to the mountain in Reading, Pennsylvania around 11:30 p.m. Friday.<\/p>\n
The Action Cam was stationed near the Reading Pagoda where flames could be seen in the distance.<\/p>\n
Heavy clouds of smoke could also be seen throughout parts of Reading.<\/p>\n
“I still see smoke, see fire. Get it out,” said Reading resident Daniel Garhart. Smoke was really everywhere, you could feel the heat. There was a line of fire that ended all the way down to the other end.”<\/p>\n
Many were shocked by the size and strength of the blaze.<\/p>\n
“I woke up, my wife was screaming, ‘Oh my god the mountain is on fire!’ The whole back was on fire,” recalled Garhart.<\/p>\n
“Very awe-striking. We just don’t see that at night, the volume of fire,” noted Fire Wardon Tom Kemery.<\/p>\n
As of Saturday night, the flames were roughly 30% contained, according to fire officials.<\/p>\n
“There’s still a long way to go, area about 170 plus acres. It’s gonna be an extended operation,” said Kemery.<\/p>\n
Firefighters also dealt with hotspot flare-ups and debris throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Part of the reason why the fire is difficult to extinguish is the lack of rain.<\/p>\n
Another reason is that some areas are difficult for crews to reach. Authorities say they needed to bring in a helicopter for airdrops.<\/p>\n
The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter set up a temporary evacuation center at the request of local emergency management officials.<\/p>\n
Impacted residents can go to Amanda E. Stout Elementary School at 321 South 10th Street in Reading.<\/p>\n
Local authorities said their main concern while the fire continues to burn is safety and containment.<\/p>\n
There is no word yet on how the fire started.<\/p>\n
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