Crews Battle Hillside Brush Fire In New Hope

Firefighters battled multiple fires in New Hope Borough on Wednesday, with strong winds hampering efforts to put out the flames.

The fire company responded to three separate wire fires, which ignited two brush fires, officials said.

The largest of the brush fires occurred on South Main Street, across from The River House at Odette’s, in the borough, according to the New Hope Eagle Fire Company.

The fire spread uphill from the roadway and challenged firefighters due to the steep terrain.

New Hope Eagle Fire Company said crews used a hydrant on South Main Street and deployed a deck gun to slow the fire’s advance toward residences at the hilltop.

Firefighters then stretched a 300-foot handline up the hill.

“The terrain proved very difficult for crews to make progress and even maintain position on the hillside,” the fire company said in a statement.

Crews from the Midway Fire Company and the City of Lambertville Fire Department joined the effort, working from properties at the top of the hill to create a firebreak.

Firefighters were prepared to protect the homes if necessary, according to the fire company.

The blaze was brought under control as rain began to fall.

The New Hope Eagle Fire Company also responded to a separate wire and brush fire on Mechanics Street at the same time.

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