Photo provided courtesy of the Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie.
JIM THORPE, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing Carbon County as part of Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, visited firefighters and local emergency officials this morning near the site of the Bear Mountain fire. He began the day at the Carbon County Emergency Management Agency field site to meet with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for an update on efforts to contain the fire. Later, he traveled to affected sites, met with firefighters, and donated supplies. At one stop, Congressman Mackenzie met with firefighters who successfully stopped the fire within close proximity of local homes.
“I join the people of Carbon County in thanking the hundreds of firefighters who are doing incredible work to contain the Bear Mountain fire,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “Thanks to their efforts, no local homes have been lost, and we pray that this remains the case. We also want to recognize the people of Carbon County for the tremendous outpouring of support that they have shown for the firefighters who have traveled from all over the state. The men and women on the ground are very grateful for your generosity.”
At this time, the fire is mostly contained, but Congressman Mackenzie and his office are actively monitoring the situation. Emergency officials continue to ask that local civilians pay attention to the news and refrain from operating any civilian drones in the area of the fire. Congressman Mackenzie is also asking local residents to support their local volunteer firefighters, no matter where they are.
“While this fire is impacting Carbon County, the next emergency could be in another part of the Lehigh Valley or the Poconos,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “No matter the area, local volunteer fire companies are counting on their communities for support, whether that be non-perishables, monetary donations, or volunteerism. We’re grateful to all volunteer firefighters in our region for the work that they do to keep our communities safe.”
Information provided to TVL by:
Arnaud Armstrong
