Jenkintown Schools Reopen After SPS Technologies Fire

JENKINTOWN, PA —Students will return to in-person instruction on Friday after being closed for three days due to the SPS Technologies fire.

Schools Superintendent Jill A. Takacs said she was assured by fire and police officials from both Jenkintown and Abington, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Environmental Protection Agency that it is safe to open school.

"We are incredibly grateful to our first responders and to all of the safety officials who have supported the recovery efforts. I am particularly grateful to our Jenkintown police and fire officials, who have been in constant contact with me and have worked around the clock to ensure our building, staff, and students will be safe," Takacs said. "We know the return to school may be challenging for some, but we are determined to get through this together."

Takacs said that while school is open, a virtual option will be offered for Friday, Monday, and Tuesday since many families evacuated out of town and out of state.

Takacs is asking all students to be present in school on Wednesday.

She said the custodial and maintenance staff were on site Thursday to thoroughly clean school buildings and meet with officials monitoring and testing the air quality on our campus.

They also did air testing inside the building, looking for particulates and other related substances, the superintendent said.

All tests came back within safe, normal ranges. Additionally, our maintenance staff replaced filters in our units and air purifiers that were purchased and operating since COVID. Replacement filters for our HVAC air handlers are on order and are scheduled to be replaced on Monday.

"I shared that our families, staff, residents, and School Board members have many questions and concerns. The response team, including Jenkintown Police Chief Tom Scott, appreciates and understands the apprehension and fear this incident has caused and is eager to respond and provide us with information," she said.

Here are some key points that were discussed:

• Water Quality Concerns: Multiple sources have assured us that the Jenkintown School District’s water source is a municipal source fed by the Neshaminy Creek and has not been impacted by this incident. Municipal water is tested consistently and will continue as scheduled. Other water sources around the site have also been reported as clear and safe to drink.
• Air Quality Concerns: The DEP assured us that EPA air quality monitoring on our site tested within normal limits and presents no health concerns.
• Debris Concerns from the Explosion/Fire: Safety officials and investigators ask that residents call 911 to report debris that is on their property rather than removing it themselves. They stressed that while some may feel hesitant to do this, it is the best way for them to catalog addresses and ensure debris is safely removed and tracked for investigative purposes (as they work to determine the force of the explosion, etc.). They suggest that residents may use protective gear to move debris off cars, etc., but not to dispose of any large debris. Safety officials are removing debris from our school grounds as well.
• Concerns about the SPS site and ongoing fire and hazards: Crews are working to extinguish a few remaining ‘hot spots’ and are working with structural engineers and other experts to remove all chemicals from the facility. During the press conference, officials stressed that they are confident they can do so safely and without risk to the community.

Other sources of information:

• Abington Township has been established as a local clearinghouse for information and updates, and their website includes press releases, videos from press conferences, and other information.
• SPS has established a community hotline. The phone number is 215-572-3326 or SPS can be reached via email at contactsps@pccairframe.com.

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