4-alarm fire in Wissinoming under control

Dark plumes of smoke rose above a warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia’s Wissinoming neighborhood as more than 140 fire personnel battled a four-alarm blaze Monday morning.

The fire was placed under control at 11:21 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

“The wind was our benefit today because it was blowing toward the river,” said 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy as fire personnel continued to treat hot spots around noon.

First responders arrived at the 5100 block of Darkrun Lane at around 9:40 a.m., according to a Philadelphia Fire Department spokesperson.

Though the official cause remains under investigation, Murphy said it appears the fire originated in the front loading dock area of the warehouse, where fire crews found three tractor-trailers burning upon arrival.

Murphy said one warehouse employee had to be treated by EMS personnel and taken to an area hospital, where they were in stable condition. It was not immediately clear how many warehouse employees were on site when the fire broke out, but Murphy said the warehouse owner told fire crews all staff was accounted for.

Murphy said the smell coming out of the warehouse during the fire was plastic burning.

In an abundance of caution, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health warned residents to avoid the area or stay inside, adding those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions might be especially sensitive to smoke.

The department initially also suggested residents avoid exercising outdoors and wear a mask outside, and advised running fans indoors to recirculate air.

Later in the afternoon, the department lifted those recommendations as no specific hazardous substances were identified in initial air samples taken by inspectors sent to the area, according to the department.

Those with underlying conditions, however, should still keep an eye out and seek medical help for symptoms such as trouble breathing and dizziness, officials advised.

Officials said the health department will continue to monitor and provide updates on the air quality in the area.