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Shelter-In-Place Order After Fire Erupts At Aerospace Manufacturer, Hazmat Crews Monitoring Situation


Residents were ordered to shelter-in-place Tuesday after a fire ignited at an aerospace manufacturer’s facility near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The fire erupted around 9:43 p.m. Monday at SPS Technologies in Abington Township.

Officials ordered businesses and schools to close amid heavy smoke and burning chemicals.

“Hazmat crews were monitoring air quality and advised all businesses within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius to remain closed until further notice,” the Associated Press noted.

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From the Associated Press:

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The fire broke out at SPS Technologies in Jenkintown around 9:30 p.m. Monday and witnesses said there was an explosion and flames could be seen inside the warehouse, the Abington Township Police Department said in a statement on social media. The building was evacuated, all employees were accounted for and no injuries were reported.

SPS Technologies describes itself as a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of a line of aerospace fasteners and precision components.

The Abington and Jenkintown school districts and all private and parochial schools were closed Tuesday.

The shelter in place order was in effect until the incident was under control because smoke and particulates from the fire were filtering across the area, officials said.

“We are aware of continued activity at the SPS location and are asking all impacted residents and businesses within one mile to continue to shelter in place and avoid the area until further notice,” the Abington Township Police Department stated on social media.

6abc Philadelphia reports:

Black smoke could still be seen billowing out of the building Tuesday afternoon, more than 13 hours after the first alarm.

The view from Chopper 6 on Monday night showed heavy flames consuming the property.

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Officials said the building was immediately evacuated and all occupants have been accounted for.

People nearby rushed out of their homes to see what was going on. Some witnesses reported hearing explosions.

Officials said 68 different fire companies in the area responded to the scene.

Aqua, SEPTA, as well as Pennsylvania and federal EPA officials are on site. Departments of public safety from Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties also responded.

Hazmat crews are continuing to monitor air quality and runoff water in the area. So far, officials say tests have not detected any threats to the public.

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This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

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View the original article here.



 

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