PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A large fire is burning in a scrapyard in Darby Township, Delaware County.
Video shows large flames coming from the yard, with thick, heavy black smoke pouring into the air.
The property is located near Calcon Hook and Hook roads, not far from the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum and Philadelphia International Airport. Firefighters are trying to bring the blaze under control.
A hazmat crew is monitoring the air quality. The smoke spread into Philadelphia, so city inspectors are also collecting air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat.
At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Darby Township officials are warning residents to avoid areas affected by the smoke and stay inside with doors and windows shut.
This scrapyard is owned by EMR, which owns another junkyard in Camden that has been under recent scrutiny. A large fire at the Camden yard in May prompted City Council to suspend EMR’s license. That fire was the latest of at least 12 there over a five-year span. Camden officials suspended EMR’s license and rejected its proposal to reopen, but a judge ruled that measure was illegal.
Scrapyard owner EMR under scrutiny for recent fires at its Camden facility
Scrapyard owner EMR under scrutiny for recent fires at its Camden facility
