2-alarm junkyard fire in Southwest Philadelphia now under control
According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, approximately 100 firefighters responded to the scene.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a massive junkyard fire in Southwest Philadelphia on Friday.
The blaze at 61st Street and Passyunk Avenue is now under control, the fire department said.
Officials say firefighters arrived on the scene at about 10:50 a.m. The fire reached two alarms shortly after 11 a.m.
In all, some 100 firefighters responded to the scene.
A fire official says one firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation. That firefighter is in stable condition.
Shortly after the fire started, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health urged residents nearby to stay indoors due to the smoke.
In an update Friday afternoon, the department said residents can resume normal activities in the area.
"However, residents in the area who are normally affected by poor air quality, like children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions should continue to be aware of the air quality in their immediate vicinity. If they are having difficulty breathing or there is visible smoke, they should avoid going outdoors, avoid excessive activity, consider wearing a mask, and close their windows," the department said.
The department said it will continue to monitor the air quality in the area.
There was no immediate word as to how this fire started.
There was a fire at the same junkyard in July, 2022.
The junkyard was due to be re-inspected on June 2 due to the last fire. City officials say they'll have to wait for this fire scene to be cleared before they can conduct that inspection.
