by Alex Lloyd Gross
A fire severely damaged a linen storage facility on the 5700 block of Duffield Street,near Foulkrod on Christmas Eve, The fire rekindled itself and raged again during Christmas Day. This caused all kinds of debris to be released into the air.
As a result, The Health Department has dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat. At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution.
Residents in the area should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke. The Health Department recommends doing the following to protect yourself and your family from poor air quality:
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.
ALEX LLOYD GROSS Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Bins of linen sit outside the building as officials work in the background.
- Avoid areas of high congestion and where air pollution may be high (e.g., main streets or highways, areas with low circulation).
- People with underlying illnesses should monitor for symptoms, including trouble breathing, nausea, and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention as soon as possible. No cause of the fire has been made. Streets surrounding this scene are still closed. Water continues to be poured upon the building to prevent any rekindles. Outside, large bins of linen and supplies sit outside of the building.