The Philadelphia Inquirer
(TNS)
Dec. 25—Philadelphia health officials were warning people Wednesday to stay away from the scene of a three-alarm fire in Frankford that broke out in a linen warehouse on Christmas Eve out of concern for possible air-quality issues. Nearby residents were advised to stay inside with windows closed.
The city's health department said it had sent inspectors to the area, the 1600 block of Foulkrod Street, to collect air samples "to assess air quality and the potential for any threat."
At 2:37 p.m. Wednesday, 17 hours after the warehouse erupted in flames, the fire was declared under control, though officials said there still might be smoke visible.
"At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution," the health department said in a statement. It advised residents in the area to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.
The fire department said in a Facebook post that firefighters responded to an industrial site in Frankford around 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve "and found flames coming through the roof of the building."
More than 12 hours later, on Christmas Day, firefighters were still at the scene extinguishing hot spots. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation.
At its height, the fire reached three alarms, bringing about 120 members of the fire department to the scene, including firefighters, medics, chiefs, and support personnel, the department said.
The health department and office of emergency management advised that anyone in the area avoid going outdoors as much as possible and, if outside, avoid jogging or running in the area and wear a mask if available. They advised keeping windows closed, and recirculating air with fans.
Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, people who are pregnant, and those who have respiratory diseases or heart conditions, should monitor for symptoms, including trouble breathing, nausea, or dizziness.
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