A significant fire erupted at a commercial warehouse in Abington Township, Montgomery County, prompting extensive emergency measures for local residents and businesses. Fire crews were dispatched to SPS Technologies, located at 301 Highland Ave. in Jenkintown, around 9:35 p.m. on Monday night. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in a four-alarm response involving 68 fire companies.
Initial reports indicated that an explosion occurred within the building, with flames visibly raging inside the warehouse. Fortunately, all employees were successfully evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. In response to the situation, Abington Township authorities have advised residents to voluntarily evacuate to Cheltenham High School, which is serving as a shelter. The high school is located at 500 Rices Mill Rd, Wyncote, and offers transportation for residents unable to evacuate on their own; pets are also accommodated at the shelter.
Emergency workers have been actively assisting residents in the voluntary evacuation zone, going door-to-door to ensure safety. By Tuesday morning, firefighters were still on scene as the fire continued to smolder, although it had been contained. As a precautionary measure, a shelter-in-place order was issued within a one-mile radius of the SPS facility due to the smoke conditions.
Governor Josh Shapiro is closely monitoring the situation, with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on site to assess air quality and potential environmental impacts. Local hazmat teams have reported no immediate threats to public safety stemming from air and water quality tests conducted in the surrounding area.
As a result of the incident, public transport services by SEPTA on regional rail lines have been suspended, and all public schools within the affected districts have closed for the day. Abington Township has also announced the closure of municipal offices and adjustments to local trash pickup schedules.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with the Abington Township Police and Fire Marshal collaborating closely to determine what triggered the explosion and ensuing blaze. SPS Technologies, a well-established leader in aerospace components manufacturing, was noted for having pre-planned emergency responses in place due to awareness of the hazardous materials it housed.
This incident not only highlights the effectiveness of emergency response strategies but also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in industrial settings. Local officials continue to urge residents to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines as the situation develops.