Firefighters Battle Hillside Brush Fire In New Hope

NEW HOPE, PA — Strong winds Wednesday afternoon knocked down wires at three locations in New Hope Borough sparking a pair of brush fires.

The larger of the two fires ignited a hillside on South Main Street across from River House at Odettes.

Because of the steep terrain that was inaccessible to field trucks and UTV's, New Hope Eagle's Engine 46 used a hydrant on South Main Street and charged its deck gun to slow the fire's advance up the hillside towards residences at the top.

Eagle firefighters stretched a 300-foot handline up the hill to continue the fight.

“The terrain proved very difficult for crews to make progress and even maintain position on the hillside,” posted the firefighters on social media.

Meanwhile, Field 46, TAC 46, Midway Volunteer Fire Company Field 5, and City of Lambertville Fire District No. 1 Engine 17 and UTV 17 staged at the top of the hill, creating a firebreak to halt the advance of the fire's leading edge.

Crews were ready to protect the homes if needed.

“The fire was brought under control just as the sky opened up. The rain was definitely appreciated,” the firefighters reported.

Tanker 46 operated at another wire and brush fire on Mechanic Street at the same time.