WEST NORRITON, PA — A massive four alarm warehouse fire in West Norriton was contained early Monday evening after crews battled for hours.
Firefighters remain on the scene. Officials said the scene remained active as of around 8 p.m. as work continues to ensure the area is safe. The business park surrounding the incident remains closed.
"While surrounding roadways are no longer significantly impacted, emergency crews continue to operate within the business park," West Norriton Township shared in a statement. "For the safety of firefighters, emergency personnel, and utility crews, we ask that the public not attempt to enter the business park while operations remain underway."
The incident began at around 11:20 a.m. on the 2500 block of Industry Lane, a commercial area with multiple warehouses immediately adjacent to a residential neighborhood. That's the location of Superior Play Systems, a playground equipment supplier.
Huge black plumes of smoke were visible around the area for miles. Flames boiled out of the roof of the building and the doors, with significant portions of the structure already destroyed or collapsing by 1 p.m. Firefighters shot hose lines from the top of ladder engines parked outside of the reach of the flames.
The fire appeared to grow quickly, with second and third alarms rang almost immediately, and a fourth alarm rang just after noon to marshal additional resources. Crews are working hard to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby area, with spot fires reported on emergency scanners.
Officials advised "extreme caution" for anyone in the area and urge residents and drivers to listen to the directions of first responders.
Fire engines used Norriton Fire Engine Company, on 656 W. Germantown Pike, as a fill station. They put out a public notice urging the public to not pull into the station "for any reason."
The warehouse is about half a mile off Trooper Road, not far from the intersection with Germantown Pike. It's immediately adjacent to Corropolese Bakery's main baking facility, which warned they would have not have had bread available tomorrow if the fire spread.
The township thanked first responders from throughout the region for the massive response.
"We are incredibly grateful for the assistance provided by the many fire companies, EMS agencies, and emergency responders who answered the call and worked together throughout today’s incident," the township added. "Their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication are greatly appreciated.Thank you to our residents and businesses for your patience and cooperation as crews continue their work."
The strength of the size of the blaze sparked in alerts in nearby communities. Across the Schuylkill where the smoke is very visible in Upper Merion Township, officials said "there is no immediate hazard to the Upper Merion community at this time."
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and there are no details yet on any injuries.
The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety is also on the scene.
Residents and drivers were urged to avoid the area if possible and to follow the instructions of first responders.
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