A large fire erupted at the SPS Technologies facility in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, on Monday night, resulting in a massive blaze that is still not officially suppressed. The facility, spanning over 600,000 square feet, poses significant challenges for firefighting efforts. The fire ignited following a series of explosions, exacerbating conditions for the emergency teams on the ground. Fortunately, all 60 employees present at the time managed to escape without injury.
Chief Patrick Molloy of the Abington Township Police Department confirmed that efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing. The fire produced thick, black smoke, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order within a 1-mile radius and a voluntary evacuation for those residing within a five-block radius. These actions affected 247 homes, as reported by Jenkintown Township Police Chief Thomas Scott.
The initial explosions that triggered the fire were attributed to changing conditions within the facility, complicating the situation for the firefighters. The facility's sprinkler system was out of service at the time of the incident, according to Tom McAneney, director of Fire & Emergency Management Services. Despite this setback, McAneney noted that "however, they followed all the precautions that are required under law."
Hazmat teams and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are actively conducting air quality assessments in response to the fire. So far, tests have returned favorable results, indicating no immediate danger to public health. Samples collected immediately downstream in Tookany Creek showed low levels of chemicals of concern, while samples from the Delaware River revealed none.
"At this time, drinking water supplies are not at risk," confirmed Chief Patrick Molloy.
SPS Technologies, a longstanding manufacturer of fasteners primarily for the aerospace industry, has been part of the community for decades. Both Tom McAneney and Abington Township Fire Marshal Chris Platz emphasized the company's integral role within the community.
"They are obviously a community staple," stated both McAneney and Platz.
The extensive size of the facility has complicated efforts to control and extinguish the fire. Despite these challenges, emergency services remain on site to contain the blaze and mitigate any further risks.
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