3 School Districts Remain Closed From Abington Twp. Fire

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —Three school districts remain closed Wednesday due to a fire that is still smoldering at a Jenkintown warehouse, officials said.

The Abington, Jenkintown, and Cheltenham school districts will be closed for the third straight day following the fire Monday night and the Presidents Day holiday on Monday.

Cheltenham School District officials said the closure was due to the ongoing fire at SPS Technologies and concerns about air quality in the area.

School officials said the decision was based on the recommendation of the Montgomery County’s emergency operations center.

"While we understand that school closures can be disruptive, the safety of our students, staff, and families must always come first," school officials said.

Cheltenham High School is serving as a shelter for those impacted by the evacuation order.

School officials said they anticipate returning to a normal schedule on Thursday and will provide updates if anything changes.

"Our hearts are with all those affected by the ongoing fire at SPS Technologies," Jenkintown school officials said.

Following the guidance from the Jenkintown Police Department, The School District of Jenkintown will remain closed on Wednesday and will hold a virtual learning day instead.

"We understand that many families have been displaced, which may make virtual attendance difficult," school officials said. "Still, we would like to provide the students who can log in the opportunity to meet with teachers, see their classmates, and bring at least a small semblance of normalcy to their day.

The Abington School District said all schools and offices are closed Wednesday as first responders continue to manage the emergency at SPS Technologies.

Multiple fire companies in Montgomery County have battled the four-alarm fire after a warehouse exploded Monday night, authorities said.

A shelter-in-place was in effect for nearby residents until the fire could be brought under control.

Residents living near the fire were told Tuesday afternoon to evacuate their homes and businesses due to concerns about air quality, authorities said.

The fire broke out at 9:35 p.m. Monday at SPS Technologies, 301 Highland Ave. in Jenkintown. As of Wednesday morning, the fire was still burning, Abington Police said.

Related Stories

70 Fire Companies Respond To Montco Warehouse Fire [PHOTOS]
Residents Ordered To Evacuate Area Where Massive Warehouse Fire Burns