UPDATE: The brush fire was brought under control around 3:30 p.m., although hot spots were still being extinguished according to a report published by Channel 69 News. The television station reported that the fire–which burned Hellertown watershed property–was started by a homeowner burning trash in a container.

Firefighters are battling a large brush fire in the area of 3573 Lower Saucon Road, near Kefallonia Drive and Lori Lane in Lower Saucon Township early Wednesday afternoon.

A map of the area where authorities reported a large brush fire Wednesday afternoon. — A map of the area of Lower Saucon Township where authorities reported a large brush fire Wednesday afternoon.

According to an alert posted by township police, road closures are in place in the area of the fire and helicopters are dropping water in an attempt to extinguish it.

Lehigh Valley Breaking News on Facebook reported that the fire is three alarms and that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources had been notified of it.

It has been a particularly bad season for brush fires in Lower Saucon, with numerous blazes battled over the last month, including one in which a man died and several in which property owners were cited for violating the township’s nuisance ordinance by allegedly letting their outdoor burning out of control.

Local fire, police and weather officials warned residents that ideal brush fire conditions–including low humidity and gusty winds–would be present this week.

Reader-submitted photos by Terry Kemmerer