SPS Technologies fire is officially out, investigation by Abington Fire Marshal, US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is underway

Abington Township officials announced that at as of 3:53pm on Saturday, February 22, the fire at SPS Technologies in Jenkintown is out. The fire began following an explosion on the evening of Monday, February 17.

An investigation by the Abington Fire Marshal and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is underway. Abington Township’s Fire Department will turn over the site’s operations back to SPS Technologies for reclamation and remediation efforts over the coming weeks, officials said.

“This has been a herculean effort of fire and emergency management services. We cannot begin to express our gratitude to the over 100 various responding agencies who have assisted the Township in its efforts since Monday, February 17, efforts that have resulted in zero fatalities,” the township said in a statement.

Environmental contractors will conduct remediation efforts and perform air and water monitoring in coordination with the Township and federal, state, county and local agencies.

Water sampling of the Tookany Creek will be ongoing, with final sample results to be posted when available. Results from Wednesday’s water sampling remain pending.

Officials noted that there is no trespassing allowed on the site.

“Sections of the SPS Technologies building are structurally compromised and it is an active investigation scene. Highland Avenue in the area of SPS will be closed for the foreseeable future,” officials said. 

Information will continued to be posted on Abington Township’s dedicated page and social media.

Demolition efforts began Friday. On Thursday, Abington Township Emergency Management Coordinator Tom McAneney said that hot spots continued to burn in “deep-seeded parts of the building” that crews had yet to access.

“In order for fire suppression equipment to reach these locations, some demolition of the building will take place,” Abington Township said Thursday. “Demolition will be carefully coordinated and overseen by all agencies, engineers, and responders on site. This is a necessary step to extinguishing the fire.”

For a birds-eye view of the site’s aftermath, you can watch the video below:

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Screengrab: Youtube