Schools were temporarily closed and residents were instructed to stay indoors on Tuesday following a significant fire at an aerospace manufacturing facility located in Jenkintown, a town situated north of Philadelphia. The incident was reported to have occurred around 9:30 PM on Monday at SPS Technologies. Witnesses described hearing an explosion, with flames visible from within the warehouse as noted by the Abington Township Police Department in a social media update. Fortunately, the building was evacuated promptly, and authorities confirmed that all staff members were accounted for, with no injuries reported.

SPS Technologies is known for its role as a developer, manufacturer, and a global supplier of various aerospace fasteners and precision components. In the aftermath of the fire, both the Abington and Jenkintown school districts suspended classes, affecting all private and parochial schools as well. This closure will extend into Wednesday, ensuring the safety of students amid ongoing concerns.

Initially, the shelter-in-place order, mandated due to smoke and particulate fallout from the fire, was set to last until the situation was deemed secure. However, due to air quality issues, officials later advised approximately 700 residents and businesses in the vicinity to vacate the area voluntarily later in the afternoon when conditions allowed.

Hazardous materials teams were actively assessing air quality conditions and subsequently recommended that all businesses within a mile radius remain closed until further notice. Additionally, train services on three regional rail lines operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority were suspended by late Tuesday afternoon due to the fire incident, further impacting transportation in the area.