A fire has been reported at a Jenkintown-based business on Monday night, with a the scene being declared a second-alarm incident early into rescue workers' response.
According to county dispatch, a fire was reported at 301 Highland Avenue in the Jenkintown section of Abington Township around 9:44 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17. The location is SPS Technologies, a standard pressed steel business and commercial space. Early reports from callers noted that an "explosion" was heard. The "upper warehouse" is said to be the building with fire visible.
Those at the scene said that "heavy fire" is visible "about 100 feet in, 50 feet in from the garage door," within the building. Early estimates put the area engulfed around 100-by-100 feet. Rescuers could not work immediately inside the fire building, due to multiple explosions and a transformer blowing, per rescue workers tending to the flames.
According to early reports, hazmat units have been called to the scene because of the special nature of the business and the many potentially dangerous and flammable substances on scene.
Around 10:03 p.m., evacuation was ordered for all employees to exit the buildings. Fire crews, too, had to leave the main building on fire for the safety of rescuers. Early reports noted that all employees had exited and were safely outside of the building.
Called to the scene were units from Barren Hill Fire Company, Abington Fire Company, Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, Jenkintown Fire Department, Weldon Fire Company, Edge Hill Fire Company, Roslyn Fire Company, Glenside Fire Company, Fort Washington Fire Company, Oreland Fire Company, Fetter's Mill Fire Rescue, Flourtown Fire Company, and Elkins Park Fire, among other first responders.
Roadways around SPS are currently closed as many units battle the dangerous blaze. Closures at Highland Avenue, Mount Carmel Avenue, and Kenmore Avenue, and surrounding areas, are to be avoided by drivers.
As of 10:15 p.m., some surrounding homes near the business are being evacuated due to floating "embers" in the air and risks to closely located buildings.
More information will be published as it is made available.
