An ‘unpredictable’ fire | Morning Newsletter
And refugee resettlements halted.
The Morning Newsletter
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Good morning, Philly. Remember that big snow we were supposed to get tonight? The forecast is down to a few flakes.
Montgomery County residents living near aerospace parts supplier SPS Technologies remained under a shelter-in-place order Tuesday, while others were evacuated, following a massive fire that tore through the company’s Abington industrial complex late Monday. Read on for what we know about the event’s cause and impact, and how you might be affected by the fire.
And President Donald Trump’s halt on refugees has left Pennsylvania families fearful for loved ones overseas. A federal funding freeze, too, has left local resettlement agencies without resources to help those already here.
— Julie Zeglen ([email protected])
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SPS Technologies erupted into a four-alarm blaze Monday night, then re-ignited and sent smoke across the area midday Tuesday, when officials said the fire remained “unpredictable” due to the chemical nature of the blaze.
What happened: It’s not yet clear what caused the incident. The company’s sprinkler system was “out of service” for about two months due to a maintenance issue at the time of the fire, an Abington fire official said, though the company followed other precautions allowing it to continue to operate. Records show SPS also has a history of environmental and workplace violations.
Local impact: On Tuesday afternoon, residents and businesses in the immediate area of the facility were asked to evacuate over air quality concerns. Others within a one-mile radius were ordered to shelter in place. SEPTA service on several local lines was suspended, while area schools were closed and will remain so Wednesday. Use this tool to find out how the Abington fire could impact you.
Toxic chemicals at the site: The company is known to regulators as a large generator of chemical waste, some of which is categorized as “ignitable.”
Health risks: Experts said Tuesday they had not detected hazardous materials in the air. Still, it could take days or weeks to know the potential health risks of the event.
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Pennsylvania and Philadelphia are home to resettlement agencies that have collectively enabled thousands of refugees to find their way forward in the region.
But since Trump in late January ordered a halt to the nation’s refugee-admissions program, arrivals have stopped. The president also cut off federal funding for those agencies that support refugees already in the United States, leading to financial strain and layoffs.
The admissions system, a form of legal immigration, is meant for people who are fleeing war, violence, or persecution in their home countries — for instance, those evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 as the nation fell to the Taliban.
A federal lawsuit filed last week seeks to block Trump’s order and restore funding and arrivals. But some Philly-area refugees worry it may already be too late for their family members left behind.
What you should know today
A large fire erupted at United Missionary Baptist Church in North Philadelphia Monday night. The city’s emergency response office returned to the scene on Tuesday to coordinate power restoration and cleanup activities.
A former Delaware County woman was deemed a threat and is being held without bail after a cult-like group was linked to violent crimes across the U.S., including her parents’ deaths.
A Bucks County man has been arrested and charged with possessing, manufacturing, and disseminating child pornography, with victims from across the U.S. and Canada.
A construction firm executive admitted bribing a manager on the 30th Street Station project with luxury watches, vacations, and a German shepherd.
Billionaire Howard Lutnick, Haverford College’s largest donor, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Tuesday night to serve as Trump’s secretary of commerce.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, Philly’s top federal prosecutor, said she was leaving office Monday amid Trump’s makeover of the federal justice system.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner launched his campaign for a third term Tuesday, framing himself as a local foil to Trump.
Montco commissioners held their annual state of county address Tuesday, highlighting plans for 2025 as uncertainty remains over federal funding.
🧠 Trivia time
Philly created an initiative in 2020 to resolve landlord-tenant issues outside of court. What has been the result?
A) Fewer eviction filings
B) More rent increases
C) New affordable housing laws
D) More rent-to-own agreements
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🏈 Choosing: Which Eagles players should stay or go for the 2025 season.
📦 Craving: Cinnamon buns from this microbakery’s delivery service.
🏫 Curious to see: How this former Archdiocese building looks when it’s redeveloped.
⚖️ Considering: The judiciary’s role as a backstop against “abusive” executive actions.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Villanova-raised actor and son of a longtime 6abc weatherman
ZANIED BRAVADO
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Joanne Walsh, who solved Tuesday’s anagram: The Roots Picnic. The annual music festival will return to the Mann Center with D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and Philly’s own Meek Mill as headliners on May 31 and June 1.
Photo of the day
I’ll be back with you tomorrow morning. See you then.
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