A massive fire at a scrap metal facility in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, is prompting air quality concerns in the Philadelphia area.
The fire started at the European Metal Recycling (EMR) facility at Industrial Drive and Hook Road in Darby Township. SkyForce10 was over the scene shortly before 10:30 a.m. and captured flames as well as large plumes of black smoke.
The fire continued through late Wednesday morning though the color of the smoke changed from black to grey as firefighters made progress.
Officials have not yet revealed the cause of the fire or if anyone was injured.
Darby Township officials warned residents to avoid the area, keep their windows and doors shut and call 911 immediately in case of emergency.
NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle was live at the scene on Wednesday morning as smoke poured from a massive fire as it tore through, what appeared to be, a metal recycling plant in Darby.
The city of Philadelphia also alerted residents in nearby Southwest Philadelphia to take precautions and avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.
Inspectors from the Health Department also responded to the area to collect air samples and assess the air quality. At this time, no specific hazards have been identified, according to a Health Department spokesperson.
The Health Department shared the following recommendations for residents:
Avoid going outdoors as much as possible
If you must go outside, avoid excessive activity, such as jogging or running, and wear a mask, if available.
Close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in your home.
Recirculate air with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution into your home
Residents in the area can also check their local Breathe Philly air quality monitor.
A series of fires at an EMR facility in Camden, New Jersey, over the past few years led to a lawsuit, calls for the facility to shut down as well as a scrap metal safety bill in New Jersey that was recently signed into law.
The company began the process of reopening its Waterfront South facility in Camden on Monday and the location is expected to be fully operational again on Friday, July 17, after a judge overturned Camden City Council’s decision to shut it down.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.