Fire at SPS Technologies in Abington largely missed stores of potentially dangerous chemicals, officials say
The flames from the fire at SPS Technologies in Abington, Pennsylvania, earlier this week did not reach the largest stores of volatile chemicals on the site, officials said on Thursday.
There are still hot spots burning at what's left of SPS, a manufacturer of steel fasteners for the aviation and aerospace industries for more than a century. Over 60 employees were evacuated from the 600,000-square-foot building Monday night when the building caught fire and there was at least one explosion.
But thankfully, most of the chemicals on the site were in a separate part of the building — one that the four-alarm fire and explosion did not reach, thanks to the efforts of dozens of fire companies from across the region, Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy said in a news conference.
Once the fire is out, Abington officials said the scene will turn into a "recovery operation" where SPS Technologies will work with local, state and federal agencies to conduct remediation efforts. SPS is also working to remove the chemicals stored in the part of the building not harmed by the fire.
Environmental agencies have been monitoring the areas around the site, and though a small amount of "chemicals of concern" was found in the adjacent Tookany Creek, that body of water is not used for drinking water.
Molloy reiterated that testing has shown no threats to air or drinking water quality.
The surrounding communities of Jenkintown, Cheltenham, Philadelphia and Glenside have seen smoke rise from the site multiple nights this week as firefighters battled cold, windy weather. Crews will still be out there trying to prevent any flare-ups, as some of the deepest parts of the building are not reachable until other parts of the building can be demolished.
The crews on the scene met with a demolition contractor Thursday and the demolition will begin on Friday. The demolition will be done during daylight hours, according to officials.
Identifying the cause of the explosion and fire will likely take weeks, Abington Township Fire Marshal Chris Platz said.
SPS releases statement on Abington Township fire
Officials said SPS leadership has set up a phone and email hotline to address concerns from residents. The hotline phone number is 215-572-3326 or you can email ContactSPS@pccairframe.com with concerns.
The company released a statement Wednesday night that said in part:
"We truly appreciate the efforts of the first responders and other authorities who have worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe and to address the fire, as well as the messages of support from the community that we've been a part of for more than 120 years. We regret the significant impact the fire has had on our neighbors, and we will be reaching out to the community in the days and weeks ahead. ... We are working to understand the extent of the damage and its impact on our business, as well as our path forward."
The statement also encouraged residents to reach out to the phone number or email address with concerns.
Don't touch debris without protective equipment, and stay away from SPS site, officials say
Debris from the explosion is still being picked up around the surrounding communities.
If you need to move debris, use personal protective equipment, Molloy said. But officials would prefer you don't touch it — call 911 and let them know.
"We'd prefer you call us and let us do that," Molloy said.
Some residents have called in but have not yet had firefighters or police respond to their home. Molloy said many have been working sleepless nights, but with all the help from other agencies, someone will get to you.
Several road restrictions around the site remain in place, with many allowing local traffic only.
Fencing and barricades, as well as "no trespassing" signs, are being set up around the site. Residents are being asked to stay away from the site and not pass the barricades.
Maetj Korzeniowski's Jenkintown home sits about a quarter mile away from SPS Technologies. His yard is still littered with debris.
"We have a dog, I can't take him outside," said Korzeniowski, who has lived at the home for three years. "The kids play in the yard, we can't go out there. I don't want to be disturbing and aerosolizing asbestos if it is asbestos."
Korzeniowski said he was encouraged by Thursday's briefing and hopes his yard can be cleaned up soon. But he thinks it'll be a while before they get their sense of normalcy back.
"I don't know. I don't know when we'll feel good about letting the kids out to play," Korzeniowski said.
