Abington Twp. Fire: Air Quality Monitoring Will Last Months: Officials

Updated: 10:45 a.m. Thursday

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —As firefighters continue to soak hotspots from the SPS Technologies fire Thursday, officials said that air and water monitoring of the fire scene will last for months.

"This is a long-term operation for all three communities," Jenkintown Police Chief Thomas Scott said about how the fire will impact the borough, Abington Township, and Cheltenham Township. "We will be monitoring for days, weeks, and months."

Officials are expected to provide an update on the fire at noon Thursday.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency continues to monitor air quality.

Officials said that based on data collection and monitoring equipment, no levels of contaminants have been found that would harm the public.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Philadelphia Water Department conducted an initial sampling of the Tookany Creek, finding low levels of chemicals of in the creek immediately downstream of the fire.

There are no drinking water intakes from Tookany Creek. DEP has re-sampled the creek on Wednesday and the results of those tests are not yet available.

Samples taken from the Delaware River did not detect any chemicals of concern. Drinking water supplies are not at risk.

Demolition crews are expected to arrive soon to assist authorities in clearing the fire area, officials said.

"This will be a difficult undertaking that will involve SPS and Montgomery County," Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The fire that destroyed the 600,000-square-foot building at 301 Highland Ave. remains active but contained and investigations are ongoing, officials said.

Emergency personnel continued to work overnight on spraying to contain any flare-ups, officials said.

The shelter-in-place and evacuation orders enacted on Monday and Tuesday were lifted on Wednesday as authorities felt that it was safe for residents to return to their homes and for businesses and schools to repone.

Residents are asked to avoid the fire area.

Sections of the SPS Technologies building are structurally compromised and it is an active emergency scene, officials said, and there is no trespassing allowed on the site for the safety of all emergency responders and the public.

SPS Technologies has established a community hotline for questions, comments or concerns. Residents can call 215-572-3326 or email contactSPS@pccairframe.com.

Additionally, the DEP is creating a website that will have additional information about their efforts and findings.

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