Residents of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, who were evacuated due to forest fires in the Michaux State Forest, are now permitted to return home. County officials announced that residents have been given "detailed travel guidance to access their properties" as firefighting crews make progress in controlling the fires.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) reported that the Thompson Hollow Fire is 42 percent contained, while the Hammond's Rock Fire has reached 92 percent containment. Together, these fires have burned over 2,700 acres. The fires began last week, with the Thompson Hollow Fire starting on Wednesday (April 23) and the Hammond's Rock Fire igniting on Thursday (April 24).
Firefighting efforts have been bolstered by crews from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio, who have joined local and state teams. According to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's official website, the fires are expected to be fully under control soon.
No personal property damage or injuries have been reported, and the causes of both fires are still under investigation. However, the Shippensburg/Baltimore Road between Witmer Road and Ridge Road, as well as Kings Gap Environmental Education Center and Kings Gap Road, remain closed to general traffic.
The DCNR continues to coordinate efforts with other agencies to ensure the safety of residents and the environment. PennLive reported that rain earlier in the week helped improve control lines around the fires, but warm and dry conditions present ongoing challenges for firefighting efforts.
Photos posted by Cumberland County to Facebook the evening of April 27, 2025, as crews make progress containing the wildfires atMichaux State Forest. (Courtesy ofCumberland County, PA/Facebook)