4-Alarm Fire Under Control In Philly, Air Quality Being Monitored

PHILADELPHIA — Health officials are monitoring air conditions and warning sensitive residents after a massive warehouse fire sent thick black smoke into the sky Monday morning in Philadelphia.

The fire broke out at a warehouse on the 5100 block of Darkrun Lane in Wissinoming at about 9:40 a.m. Monday, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

With 150 firefighters battling the blaze — which was raised to four alarms — it was placed under control at about 11:20 a.m.

Before the fire was under control, the fire department issued a shelter in place alert for residents in the area. That has been lifted, however.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health said it is monitoring the air in the area following the fire and issued a warning to residents.

Residents should:

• Avoid going outdoors as much as possible;
• if you must go outside, avoid excessive activity, such as jogging or running, and wear a mask, if available;
• close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in your home;
• and recirculate air with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution into your home.

The Health Department has dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat.

"At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution," officials said.

There is no word on what caused the fire or if anyone was hurt.