Two fires at opposite ends of Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County consumed nearly 500 acres of woodlands before they were extinguished early Friday morning, according to authorities.
A fire along Dunbar Road in a state game lands areas was reported shortly after 5 p.m. and consumed more than 250 acres of woodlands before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames at around 1 a.m., according to a Fayette County 911 supervisor.
A second fire was reported a short time later near Victoria Flats and Rock Spring roads. That blaze also destroyed more than 200 acres of woodlands along the Youghiogheny River before crews were able to get it under control.
The scene of the second fire was cleared shortly before 4:30 a.m., the 911 supervisor said.
Park officials said 74 crews from departments in Westmoreland and Fayette responded to the incidents along with team from the state’s forestry department.
Authorities said this week’s warm, dry weather and strong winds likely were contributing factors in the fires.
Firefighters were aided by last night’s rainfall, which helped keep the flames from spreading until they were able to bring it under control.
No injuries were reported and there were no homes in the path of the fires.
