Shelter-in-place, evacuations lifted in Abington Twp.; investigators work to find cause of SPS fire

ABINGTON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A Disaster Emergency has been declared in Abington Township after a massive industrial fire at SPS Technologies in Montgomery County.

There continues to be an active scene as investigators work to figure out what caused the blaze.

The shelter-in-place and voluntary evacuations were lifted at 11 a.m., officials said during a press conference on Wednesday.

SPS Technologies describes itself as a developer, manufacturer and global supplier of a line of aerospace fasteners and precision components. There has been some concerns over what was burning at the complex.

“We do know that they use very harsh chemicals in the aeronautical engineering process of making bolts and fasteners. So out of an abundance of caution, we made that decision to self-evacuate,” Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy said Tuesday.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has conducted samplings of the Tookany Creek. They said there are low levels of chemicals in the water but that there are no drinking water intakes in that creek.

There are no chemicals in the Delaware River, and officials say drinking water is safe. They also said the air quality tests have not detected any chemicals in the air.

Officals in Philadelphia were also monitoring the situation and said Wednesday that no residents were exposed to any chemicals or air toxics.

Officials say people should feel safe going back to their homes. However, they did note that just because the orders are being lifted, does not mean they cannot be established again if the scene redevelops.

John Byrnes lives behind SPS. He did not evacuate. His neighbors who did evacuate returned Wednesday, but not for long.

“We’ve been advised to stay at an extended stay facility while they decontaminate our house,” said Yvonne Yeomans.

Officials advise residents to contact 911 so first responders can gather debris.

A website has also been established by Abington Township, where residents can go to for updates.

Chopper 6 was over what’s left of the factory that broke out around 9:43 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of Highland Avenue in Abington Township, Pennsylvania.

Now, two days later, smoke is still rising and much of the rubble is coated in a layer of ice from nonstop spraying.

“When you look at the size of this building, some 500 thousand square feet and multilayers the difficulty to access our firefighters out in that weather and with equipment, it’s very difficult for them to completely extinguish this fire,” said Patrick Molloy, Chief of Abington Township Police.

As investigators work to determine how the fire started, there are more looming questions about the fate of SPS’ hundreds of jobs.

“I’m going to be part of a voice that says let’s make sure we encourage SPS Technologies to rebuild here,” said Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.

Roughly 700 people were initially asked to voluntarily evacuate late Tuesday afternoon “while conditions permit.”

A temporary shelter was also established at the Cheltenham High School’s auditorium, located at 500 Rices Mill Road in Wyncote.

SEPTA regional rail lines have also reopened.

Students with the Abington School District and Cheltenham School District will be back in the classroom Thursday.

The Jenkintown School District says virtual learning will continue Thursday. The school plans to return to in-person learning Friday.

Fire Fallout

This fire has caused ongoing stress for the community, with neighbors on edge.

“It’s just so surreal,” said Dan Katz, owner of The Highland Restaurant.

“There’s nothing more important than protecting the members of our community,” Molloy said.

No injuries have been reported, although officials said there are concerns that first responders could have been exposed to the hazardous materials. Sixty employees were also evacuated from the building.

As lives are disrupted, Action News also found members of the community stepping up to help.

“I’m happy they are able to be here in warmth, use bathrooms. We’ve been feeding them and we’re just so thankful for all the first responder volunteers helping our community,” Katz said.

Two years ago, SPS Technologies had to pay a fine of $109,000 to the EPA, for failing to properly dispose of and store hazardous waste, as well as failure to have a clear contingency plan for evacuation.

SPS Technologies has established a community hotline for questions, comments or concerns. Residents can call 215-572-3326 or email contactSPS@ppcairframe.com.