According to the Philadelphia Fire Department's social media post, Philadelphia firefighters were called to a large bonfire in the Frankford neighborhood on Christmas Eve as flames swept across the industrial site. Efforts to extinguish the fire in the 1600 block of Foulkrod Street continued well into Christmas morning with no injuries reported. The Philadelphia Fire Department said the fire was a three-alarm blaze that required the presence of about 120 firefighters.
As firefighters battled to fully extinguish the fire, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health advised nearby residents to stay indoors due to possible air quality issues, NBC Philadelphia reported. Out of an abundance of caution, the health department took measures to assess air quality after the incident, even though no specific hazardous substances could initially be detected.
Officials carefully monitored the aftermath of the incident and collected samples to ensure public safety while the Philadelphia Fire Department continued to diligently combat remaining hot spots. Residents were made aware of the health department's warning on Christmas morning to avoid contact with the potentially contaminated air.
FOX 29 outlined measures residents must take to minimize the risk to their health, including avoiding outdoor activities, sealing homes by closing windows and doors and using forced air to prevent pollutants penetrate into living spaces from outside. These measures were particularly recommended for residents living near the affected area to avoid inhaling smoke and pollutants that may be lurking in the atmosphere.
The Philadelphia Fire Department thanked multiple partners, including police, emergency management and utilities, for their support during the ordeal. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire department.