'Miracle' That Abington Fire Wasn't 'Mass Casualty Event:' PD Chief

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — "Mass casualties" were avoided in the SPS Technologies fire on Monday night only because explosive chemicals were stored in other buildings and not the one where the blaze took place, Abington's police chief said.

"This could have been a mass casualty event," Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Malloy said at a press conference on Thursday. "Chemicals were stored in a separate building and not the one involved in the fire."

Malloy said firefighters worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading and possibly reaching the building where the dangerous chemicals were stored. SPS uses the chemicals, which were not named, at its fastener facility on Highland Avenue where the first took place.

The police chief said that SPS Technologies was in the process of moving the chemicals at the time of the fire and have assured authorities that they will be removed immediately from the scene.

SPS Technologies said 60 employees were working at the time of the fire but everyone escaped without injury.

"By the grace of God or a miracle, there was no loss of life or injuries," Malloy said.

Officials have been monitoring air and water quality since the fire happened. Demolition crews were on the scene on Friday to help firefighters contain hotspots from the fire at the 600,000-square-foot building.

Authorities are asking residents and people to avoid the area at 301 Highland Ave. Highland Avenue has been closed for the immediate future.

"This is a complex undertaking," Malloy said. "The integrity of the building is in danger of collapse. It's an extremely dangerous area and people are prohibited from going there. That will be enforced. Security personnel will be there."

Malloy said that fencing and barricades are being put up around the building as there is heavy equipment on the site.

Jenkintown Borough officials said that all residents who encounter debris are instructed to call 911. The Jenkintown Police Department is logging all debris-related calls, and personnel will address every location over the next several days during business hours.

Inspections are scheduled to begin soon. A team consisting of the Borough Fire Marshal and an environmental contractor secured by SPS Technologies will conduct inspections.

Residents may request an air quality test inside their homes during the visit. Otherwise, the team will inspect the debris for evidentiary purposes.

Residents are encouraged to document debris with photos and, if there is property damage, to contact their homeowners' insurance. It is advised not to touch or remove any debris.

Priority for debris inspection will first be given to the Jenkintown School District property, followed by residences within the evacuation zone. Every location will be addressed.

“We understand that this situation brings uncertainty and concerns to our community," Police Chief Tom Scott said. "Please know that we are fully committed to addressing every question and ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We appreciate your patience as we work through this incident and move forward with recovery efforts.”

There are no drinking water quality or air quality risks to the public at this time.

Abington Township’s website remains the primary source of information regarding the SPS Technologies fire.

For press releases, FAQs, and links to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) website, please visit www.abingtonpa.gov/SPSupdates.

SPS Technologies has also established a community hotline at 215-572-3326 and can be reached via email at contactSPS@pccairframe.com.

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