Massive Fire at Philadelphia Recycling Center Requires Over 100 Firefighters

Philadelphia firefighters were called out to a recycling center Wednesday afternoon to deal with a massive, three-alarm fire.

The fire started just after 3:30 p.m. which sent black smoke into the air, during which, the recycling center was open and operating when the fire started.

"On arrival, the companies encountered a junkyard with heavy fire conditions," Philadelphia Fire Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said. "There were multiple vehicles involved as well as tires."

The fire brought in about 120 firefighters and, during the process, a nearby railroad blocked the responding firefighter’s attempts to gain access to the facility. As a result, the firefighters couldn’t easily get water onto the flames.

After about an hour, firefighters were able to get the fire under control, although they remained throughout the night monitoring hot spots for flare ups.

Air samples were collected to assess the air quality for any potential threat to nearby residents. Locals have been encouraged to keep their windows closed and avoid the area.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. No injuries were reported nor were there any evacuations.

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