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Forest Fire Prompts Mandatory Evacuations In Berks County

UNION TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) - Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in a section of Berks County due to a forest fire Monday afternoon.

A power line brought down by a windblown tree sparked a blaze in the woods on the border of Chester and Berks counties.

Crews from Berks, Chester, Lancaster, and Montgomery counties are on the scene, to fight the fire, and to protect nearby homes and a fireworks company.

The fire is reported to be spewing heavy smoke from Hopewell Road to Shed Road and may be burning as much as 100 acres.

French Creek
(Credit: Shawn Leightcap)

Evacuations were ordered for residents on Salaneck, Sycamore, Shed and Red Corner roads a little after 3 p.m.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Twin Valley Fire Department in Elverson for 125 firefighters battling the forrest fire.

The city also issued a burn ban until further notice. For more information, CLICK HERE.

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