The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Community Unites to Raise $12,065 for Local Fire Departments Amid Blue Mountain Blaze
Lehigh Township, PA – The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC), organized a swift and successful emergency fundraiser in response to the ongoing Blue Mountain wildfire, which burned over 150 acres. This fundraiser aimed to provide critical support to local volunteer fire departments and emergency crews working tirelessly to contain the blaze under challenging conditions.
The wildfire, which initially started in Lehigh Township, rapidly spread due to dry weather conditions and strong winds, threatening local wildlife habitats, infrastructure, and natural resources. Emergency response teams from multiple counties, including Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, and Berks, have been mobilized, but the effort has placed a significant strain on local fire departments, which rely heavily on volunteers and tight budgets. While resources were not in short supply, the fire departments expressed that funds were urgently needed to cover the rising costs of fuel and machinery essential for battling the flames. This is where the community stepped up to show their support.
In a remarkable show of community support, local businesses and residents stepped in and stepped up, raising a combined total of $12,065. The funds will be distributed by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Board to the many regional fire departments within their footprint that responded and assisted during this emergency.
“We commend the bravery and dedication of our local firefighters and first responders,” said Jessica O’Donnell Gower, Executive Vice President of the Affiliated Chambers at the GLVCC. “The outpouring of support we’ve received from the community and our local businesses was heartwarming to see. So many come people coming together to help those who are working to protect our community.”
The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber will be presenting checks to the following fire departments for their hard work and support during this time:
- Lehigh Township Fire
- Germansville Fire
- Lynnport Fire Company
- New Tripoli Fire Company
- Laurys Station Fire Company
- Schnecksville Fire Company
- Neffs Fire Company
- Tri-Clover Fire Company
- Slatington Fire Department
- Diamond Fire Company
- Friedens Fire Company
- Slatedale Fire Company
- Emerald Fire Company
The check presentation and photo opportunity will take place on Friday, February 21st, at 8:45 AM at The Neffs National Bank in Neffs, PA.
This fundraiser has been a major success, thanks to our community and the businesses who stepped up for others during this critical time. Together, we are showing the power of community spirit and how, when we unite, we can overcome any challenge.
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Information provided to TVL by:
Elyse Cuttic
