5-Alarm Fire at Willow Grove Plant Causes Power Outages, Traffic Backups

A fire broke out at a Willow Grove sheet metal plant Monday evening and firefighters from throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties battled the blaze for more than two hours before getting it under control.

Trico Metal Products in Upper Moreland Township was evacuated due to the fire. An adjacent building was also evacuated and numerous explosions were heard, 6ABC reported.

No injuries were reported. Officials have not announced the cause of the fire.

Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles, according to a report by The Intelligencer.

The fire was reported shortly before 5:30 p.m. At about 7:40 p.m., it was deemed under control by authorities, 6ABC reported.

Electricity and water was shut off in the area due to the fire. About 900 PECO customers were without power Monday evening, CBS Philly said.

Traffic snarled on the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Fort Washington and Willow Grove in both directions.

“Drivers should stay alert for stopped or slow moving traffic due to a fire in the area of Willow Grove off Turnpike property,” a notice on the Turnpike’s website said.

According to Trico’s website, the company makes products for electronics control systems, data processing, medical, transportation and food dispensing equipment. It has more than 50 years of experience in the business.

(PHOTO: Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro Facebook page)