North Philadelphia junkyard fire knocks out rail service and spurs air-quality alert
The three-alarm fire began in the afternoon at Sedgley Avenue and West Venango Street.
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A massive and intense North Philadelphia junkyard fire Tuesday disrupted SEPTA’s Regional Rail and Amtrak service and prompted the city’s Department of Public Health to warn residents to stay inside.
SEPTA service on the Trenton and Chestnut Hill West lines was suspended Tuesday evening, said spokesman Andrew Busch, and other lines were delayed about 20 minutes.
At 30th Street Station, Amtrak posted that all trains were delayed indefinitely and offered free tickets to those who were willing to postpone trips for a day.
Meanwhile it was unclear how much the fire had fouled the air.
While the health department said that “no specific hazardous substances have been identified,” it issued its warning “out of an abundance of caution.”
Several cars were reported to on fire at the site, at Sedgley Avenue and West Venango Street.
The health department said it had sent inspectors to collect air samples “to assess air quality and the potential for any threat.”
It said, “The air may be potentially hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions.”
Staff writer Jake Blumgart contributed to this article.