'It's devastating:' Christmas Eve fire torches longtime linen warehouse in Frankford

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Some neighbors in Philadelphia's Frankford section are reeling after a three-alarm fire torched a long-time linen warehouse.

Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze at Arway Linens in the 4700 block of Duffield Street.

Chopper 6 was above as flames ripped through the building around 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

More than 12 hours later, firefighters were still on the scene.

"I live right down the street, I heard it and everything. Like that since like 8 o'clock last night," said Gary Whitfield who lives nearby.

This wasn't the kind of lights and flashing neighbors wanted to see from their windows on Christmas Eve.

Concerned about the potential health impacts from all the smoke, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health sent out a warning for residents to say inside. Inspectors were also dispatched to collect air samples.

"It's devastating. It's been right here, like 50-something years, or more," said Whitfield.

The only people who were probably more heartbroken were the employees who called this site home.

"It's crazy. It's a little emotional because I've been here so long and I'm from here," said Lowell Dandridge.

We met Lowell Dandrige who came to see the damage for himself.

A supervisor at the warehouse for 17 years, he describes everyone who works there as one big family. He left the site just hours before the fire broke out.

"Nobody wants to wake up to Christmas and think of something like this. It's just, it's just bad, it's just bad, man. It's just bad," said Dandridge.

Action News is told the business was set to relocate to a new location in 2025.

We're told this is a linen business, which was closed at the time the fire broke out.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

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

The health department says residents in the area should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.

Officials recommend 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.

The air quality may be hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions.

• Avoid areas of high congestion and where air pollution may be high (e.g., main streets or highways, areas with low circulation).

• People with underlying illnesses should monitor for symptoms, including trouble breathing, nausea, and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible.