Officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are closely monitoring air and water quality in Abington Township following a significant industrial fire at SPS Technologies. The blaze erupted on Highland Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, and by the early hours of Tuesday, it had escalated to a four-alarm fire, prompting nearly 70 volunteer fire companies to respond.
Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy confirmed that, fortunately, all 60 employees present at the time of the fire were able to evacuate safely without any injuries reported. He emphasized the challenging conditions firefighters faced—the 500,000-square-foot building’s complexity and icy weather hampered their efforts to extinguish the flames.
By Tuesday morning, the fire was reportedly contained within the center of the building, but later reports indicated it had rekindled, producing visible black smoke. Video footage captured the extensive destruction left by the fire, which is believed to involve hazardous materials due to the manufacturing processes used at SPS Technologies.
As a precaution, Abington Township issued a voluntary evacuation order affecting around 250 homes within a five-block radius of the fire. Affected residents have been directed to a temporary shelter at Cheltenham High School, and transportation is available for those needing assistance.
In light of the situation, officials have also declared a Disaster Emergency, enabling the Emergency Management Coordinator to take necessary actions to manage the incident’s impact and restore public services. Residents in the surrounding areas have been advised to shelter in place and avoid the vicinity of the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisting local authorities. Although no specific hazardous substances have been identified in the vicinity, continuous air and water quality tests are being conducted to ensure community safety.
This incident has prompted some nearby schools, including those in the Abington and Jenkintown School Districts, to suspend classes as a precautionary measure.
In the face of adversity, Abington’s community spirit has been on display as residents are coming together, with shelters providing support and officials emphasizing the importance of safety for both the community and first responders. Local leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant and patient while authorities work diligently to manage the ongoing situation.