Lehigh Township, PA – The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber has taken swift action in response to the ongoing Blue Mountain wildfire, which has now engulfed over 150 acres and is expected to grow. This emergency fundraiser, organized with the support of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC), aims to provide crucial aid to local volunteer fire departments and emergency crews fighting to contain the blaze under challenging conditions. This urgent effort aims to support the volunteer fire departments and emergency crews who have been tirelessly working to protect the area and contain the flames.

The wildfire, initially reported in Lehigh Township, has continued to spread at a concerning rate, fueled by dry weather conditions and strong winds. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has coordinated efforts to manage the blaze, deploying emergency response crews from multiple counties, including Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, and Berks. These brave volunteer firefighters have been contending with difficult terrain, challenging conditions, and a fire that has threatened local wildlife habitats and natural resources.

The fire has not only posed a direct threat to homes and infrastructure but has also strained local resources, with many departments relying on volunteers and limited budgets. Their teams expressed that it is not a shortage of resources but rather, funds needed to offset the rising cost of fuel and machinery needed to fight the fires.

In a demonstration of solidarity, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is contributing an initial donation of $1,000 to encourage community participation in this vital effort and jumpstart this campaign. Any further support from the community, no matter the amount, will prove invaluable in helping our firefighters continue their heroic work.

“We commend the brave firefighters and first responders who have been on the front lines, and we urge our community to come together during this critical time,” said Jessica O’Donnell Gower Executive Vice President of the Affiliated Chambers at the GLVCC. “We pride ourselves on not just being a chamber of commerce but also a chamber of communities, and now we are leaning on our communities to come together during this crucial time. Every dollar raised will go directly towards support efforts and resources needed.”

How to Contribute & Join the Effort:

Community members are invited to contribute to this initiative through the following methods:

Cash or Check Donations:

• • Visit The Neffs National Bank locations to contribute.
    • 5629 Pennsylvanian Rt 873, Neffs, PA 18065
    • 211 S Best Ave, Walnutport 18088
  • Donations can be mailed to The Neffs National Bank
    • 5629 Route 873, PO Box 10, Neffs, PA 18065

*If you plan to drop off a check at either of The Neffs National Bank locations, please make check payable to Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber

• • You may also mail or drop off a check made payable to GLVCC at any Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Office.
• Venmo: Donations can also be sent via Venmo to the Chamber (@GLVCC) with the memo:

Initiative to Support Local Fire Departments

• Credit Card Donation and Additional Inquiries: Call Jessica O’Donnell-Gower at (610) 573- 4010 or Elyse Cuttic at (484) 834-7868.

With local agencies and volunteers expending significant resources to safeguard our region, this is an urgent moment for community members to stand together. By contributing, we can help relieve the strain on our first responders and provide critical support as they continue their heroic work to protect lives and land from this destructive wildfire. Together, we can make all the difference.

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