A blaze that erupted in a warehouse located in the Wissinoming district of Philadelphia on Monday morning has been brought under control. The fire started at around 9:40 a.m. at the J.S. Fesmire Hauling facility, situated in the 5100 block of DarkRun Lane, close to Tacony and Van Kirk streets. The incident sent a plume of black smoke into the air, causing concern for nearby residents. Around 140 firefighters were deployed to tackle the four-alarm inferno, which was finally extinguished at approximately 11:20 a.m. Only one worker was injured, with burns to his face, and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. Company officials have reported that the worker is expected to make a full recovery. There are no other reports of injuries at this stage.
Neighbors have reported hearing multiple explosions from the site, and some have been advised to remain indoors if they are sensitive to smoke. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has reassured residents that air quality is being monitored and that there are currently no specific hazardous substances identified. The company that owns the facility is involved in the recycling and hauling of appliances and scrap metal. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this point.
Kelly Fries, a nearby resident, said that she heard an explosion while watching a movie and then saw a cloud of smoke, followed by more explosions. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety protocols for businesses, particularly those dealing with hazardous materials or chemicals. Fortunately, this fire did not result in any serious injuries, but it serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and be prepared in the event of an emergency.