Crews from Franklin Fire Company and other local departments responded Saturday afternoon to a fast-moving mountain fire in Greene Township. The fire was reported in the area of Knob Hill Road, off Black Gap Road (Route 997), southeast of the Old Chambersburg Road.
According to Franklin Fire Company, firefighters arrived to find multiple acres burning and spreading quickly due to dry conditions and steady winds. Supply lines and Fold-A-Tanks were set up as crews worked to contain the flames. Two aircraft water tankers were dispatched to the scene to assist by performing aerial water drops over the affected area.
Fire police, EMS, tankers, brush task forces, and UTV units responded to support the firefighting effort, which was concentrated in the Michaux State Forest region. The Pennsylvania State Police drone unit was also called in to assess how far the fire had spread.
Officials urged the public to avoid outdoor burning, citing the continued dry conditions, low humidity, and wind. Franklin Fire Company also reminded residents not to discard cigarettes on the ground.
Local residents reported smelling smoke throughout the region Saturday evening as crews continued to battle the fire.
All information provided by Franklin Fire Company.
