Fire Burns Two Acres Near Harris Hill Campground, One Camper Destroyed

On April 2, a significant fire broke out near Harris Hill Campground in Jeffersonville, burning close to two acres of land over more than two hours, according to one news site. The blaze sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, prompting swift calls to local responders. Montgomery County Fire personnel eventually managed to bring the flames under control with no reported injuries.

Local reports indicated one camper was destroyed during the incident. Residents described dense smoke and robust flames, noting that the wind played a factor in the firefighting effort.

One resident, Derek Friend, said, “It was pretty crazy–it looked like hellfire.” He recalled how alarming the sight was from his vantage point near the campground.

“It was pretty scary, (but) I didn’t think it would evolve to this though,” Friend added. He also shared a personal concern that a smaller fire might not have been fully extinguished, though no official cause has been confirmed.

Camper occupant Theresa Girard recounted how neighbors helped each other as the flames spread, remarking, “Everybody was coming together, no matter what.”

Girard also noted, “The smoke was so thick.” By many accounts, the conditions shifted quickly, prompting individuals to work together to guide fellow campers to safety.

Authorities confirmed that wind played a factor in the effort to quell the blaze. After local crews subdued the main threat, the Division of Forestry assumed responsibility for monitoring any remaining hotspots.

Many campground owners and managers focus on steps to prevent fires from igniting or spreading. Widely recognized measures include restricting open flames during windy periods, conducting regular fire drills, and removing flammable debris around campsites.

In many regions, some fire agencies cite numerous campground fires arising each year from improper brush clearing or fires not being thoroughly extinguished. Attention to fire-safe zones, along with consistent regulation of open flames, can reduce the likelihood of a small spark escalating into a larger blaze.

A recognized guideline from certain national safety organizations suggests using multiple notification methods, including text messages, loudspeaker announcements, and a designated mobile app, to alert guests in a timely manner. Clear guidelines often emphasize issuing evacuation orders as early as possible to minimize confusion and ensure everyone can exit safely.

Coordination before, during, and after a crisis is also vital. Multipronged communication systems—using text alerts, local radio, or a dedicated app—allow updates to reach guests swiftly and reduce potential confusion.

Some campground organizers rely on formal guidance that addresses voice alerts and sets standards for clear messaging. Another resort provides procedures for structured evacuations, while a different facility emphasizes readiness when mandated by authorities.

Fire officials commended local crews for their swift containment strategies at Harris Hill Campground. The experience serves as a reminder that vigilance and thorough communication are key to maintaining safety and preventing smaller incidents from transforming into larger threats.