Firefighters battling brush fire on Neversink Mountain in Reading

READING, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Firefighters in Berks County are battling a major brush fire on Neversink Mountain.

Crews were called out to the mountain in Reading, Pennsylvania around 11:30 p.m. Friday.

The Action Cam was stationed near the Reading Pagoda where flames could be seen in the distance.

Heavy clouds of smoke could also be seen throughout parts of Reading.

"I still see smoke, see fire. Get it out," said Reading resident Daniel Garhart. Smoke was really everywhere, you could feel the heat. There was a line of fire that ended all the way down to the other end."

Many were shocked by the size and strength of the blaze.

"I woke up, my wife was screaming, 'Oh my god the mountain is on fire!' The whole back was on fire," recalled Garhart.

"Very awe-striking. We just don't see that at night, the volume of fire," noted Fire Wardon Tom Kemery.

As of Saturday night, the flames were roughly 30% contained, according to fire officials.

"There's still a long way to go, area about 170 plus acres. It's gonna be an extended operation," said Kemery.

Firefighters also dealt with hotspot flare-ups and debris throughout the day.

Part of the reason why the fire is difficult to extinguish is the lack of rain.

Another reason is that some areas are difficult for crews to reach. Authorities say they needed to bring in a helicopter for airdrops.

The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter set up a temporary evacuation center at the request of local emergency management officials.

Impacted residents can go to Amanda E. Stout Elementary School at 321 South 10th Street in Reading.

Local authorities said their main concern while the fire continues to burn is safety and containment.

There is no word yet on how the fire started.