Philadelphia officials say air quality is safe after Christmas Eve fire in Frankford
Philadelphia officials say residents of the city's Frankford section can return to their normal routines after a massive fire at an industrial building on Christmas Eve prompted air quality concerns.
Firefighters first responded to the blaze around 9:30 p.m. on Dec 24, and some spent Christmas Day working to put out hot spots around the building near Frankford Avenue and Foulkrod Street.
The Philadelphia Fire Department said about 120 of its members came to the scene of the three-alarm fire, including medics, chiefs and other first responders.
Jenearra Lewis, who lives nearby, said the building is a warehouse for a linen company called Arway. Neighbors said it employed many people in the area.
"I've been on this block since I was little, born and raised in Frankford. That place been there forever, so it gave a lot of people jobs," Lewis said.
The warehouse was closed at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
The fire is under investigation.
According to the city, the Health Department sent inspectors to collect air samples from the area "to assess air quality and the potential for any threat."
On Thursday, health officials said there was no "recorded rise in the amount of particulate matter" or other pollutants, and no toxic compounds were found at the site.
Officials previously recommended residents stay inside, keep windows and doors closed and wear masks outside.
Neighbors can go back to their normal routines, according to Thursday's announcement.
