The Neversink Mountain fire, while officially declared 100% contained, continues to pose serious safety risks to the public, as highlighted by Chris Mast, a fire management specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The fire, which ignited shortly before midnight on November 8, ravaged approximately 138 acres of woodland across Reading, Lower Alsace, and Cumru townships. Despite the containment status, hazardous conditions persist due to damaged trees and unstable terrain. Mast and a team of firefighters from Montana are actively engaged in assessing the area and mitigating risks. Their presence remains crucial as they have reported encountering many hikers and mountain bikers drawn to the area out of curiosity about the recent fire.
Mast emphasizes that the biggest threat to public safety stems from damaged trees, many of which were already at risk prior to the fire due to deteriorated trunks and root systems. The fire has exacerbated these hazards, leaving live trees weakened and more susceptible to falling, particularly in the event of strong winds. He remarked on the increased danger of falling trees, noting that numerous trees have already collapsed, while others had to be deliberately felled to safeguard the firefighters on-site. This instability highlights the risk to both firefighters and civilians alike, where dead standing trees—known as snags—are notorious for causing serious accidents and fatalities among forest workers.
In addition to falling trees, there are dangers associated with uprooted trees and burned stumps that create hidden hazards on the forest floor. Mast warns that stepping off the established trails puts individuals at the risk of injury, as areas once occupied by large tree stumps have been transformed into deep craters. These concealed dangers can lead to accidents such as twisted ankles and other injuries. Furthermore, remnants of the fire may still be hot, posing a burn risk to anyone not exercising caution. While Mast is not forcibly removing individuals from the area, he is urging respectful compliance for their safety and suggests exploring alternative trails elsewhere in the mountain preserve.
For coordinated efforts in managing the aftermath of the fire, Mast is working alongside Jeremy Haymaker, trails and preserve manager for Berks Nature, a nonprofit organization responsible for the region’s conservation and public engagement. Haymaker prioritizes Mast’s insights regarding safety and trail management, and together they plan to determine when it will be safe to reopen affected trails. They are advocating for the local public to refrain from using trails west of Neversink Mountain Road for a few weeks while assessment and recovery efforts continue. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that a thorough evaluation of the risks is conducted before returning trails to public access.
Despite the closure of specific trails, there are still areas within the vicinity that remain safe for outdoor enthusiasts. Haymaker points out locations such as the West End pavilion, commonly referred to as the Witch’s Hat, and the Klapperthal area. These sites offer an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain without jeopardizing safety. Individuals can access the Neversink Railroad trail off West Neversink Road in Exeter Township but are advised to turn around upon reaching specific lookout points to prevent entering hazardous zones.
For ongoing updates regarding the status of trail accessibility and safety advisories, the public is encouraged to visit the Berks Nature website. This resource will provide essential information about reopening schedules and any further recommendations for safe recreation in the area. Mast and Haymaker’s dedicated efforts demonstrate a commitment to protect both the environment and the safety of the community as they navigate the recovery from the fire, ensuring cautious enjoyment of Neversink Mountain’s natural offerings.
