Junkyard Fire In Philadelphia Under Control, Air Quality Monitored

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia firefighting crews battled a massive junkyard fire in Philadelphia Tuesday.

The fire broke out at a junkyard at 3rd Street and Sedgley Avenue at about 5:24 p.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The blaze was later elevated to three alarms.

Officials said the fire was placed under control by about 7:30 p.m.

There is no word on injuries.

The Philadelphia Department of Health said it is monitoring air quality in the region after the fire.

Residents in the area of West Sedgley Avenue and West Venango Street in North Philadelphia are warned to avoid the area or try to stay inside, and were told to take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.

Inspectors have been sent 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.

However, the air may be potentially hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions, according to the health department.

The Health Department recommends doing the following to protect yourself and your family from poor air quality:

• 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.
• Recirculate air with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution into your home.
• If conditions in your home are uncomfortably hot, seek air conditioned spaces such as a library, store, or mall rather than opening windows if there is smoke in your area.