No toxins found in air quality test taken after Grays Ferry fire: officials

Fire rips through building in Grays Ferry

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is investigating air quality concerns following a large smoke-producing fire in the Gray’s Ferry area and is advising residents to take precautions.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Department of Public Health says residents who live near a fire that tore through a building Thursday in Grays Ferry can breathe easy.

Air samples taken during the fire revealed no toxins, meaning residents are able to go about their normal routines.

No toxins found in air quality test

What we know:

The Philadelphia Department of Health said no toxins were found in air samples collected during the fire.

"The fire did not register any change in the amount of particulate matter, or other criteria pollutants," the health department said.

Residents who live near the scene of the fire were told they could safely resume their normal routines.

The backstory:

The fire broke out around South 34th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, producing significant smoke in the area. The Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management are working together to monitor the situation and will share updates as more information becomes available.

What you can do:

Residents can stay informed by following the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management on X, checking the Health Department’s Bluesky account, and signing up for emergency alerts from ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting https://www.phila.gov/ready.

Officials stress that avoiding areas of high congestion and monitoring for symptoms is important until air quality is confirmed to be safe.

What we don't know:

It is not yet clear what caused the fire or how long air quality may be affected. 

Officials have not identified any hazardous substances but are still investigating and will provide updates as more information becomes available.