Firefighters spent hours battling a burning linen warehouse in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood on Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. The smoky blaze led to the health department warning residents to stay inside on Christmas.
SkyForce10 was over the scene at the Arway Linens company at Duffield and Foulkrod streets after it broke out around 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024.
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At one point the fire spread to three alarms, "which means about 120 PFD members were at the scene — firefighters, medics, chiefs, and support personnel," the Philadelphia Fire Department said on Facebook.
More than 12 hours later the firefight continued, firefighters said.
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"Twelve hours later -- at 9:30 a.m. on Christmas Day -- members were still at the scene extinguishing hot spots," firefighters said. "No injuries have been reported, and the cause will be investigated by our Fire Marshal's Office."
No word yet on the total damage done.
Air quality warning leads to warning to stay indoors
People living near the fire scene were told to stay indoors on Christmas morning.
"The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning residents to avoid the area or try to stay inside," the health department said late on Christmas morning. "The Health Department has dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat."
Despite the warning, health officials didn't immediately warn of an specific hazards.
"At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution," the health department said.
"Residents in the area should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke," health officials said.
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