Tests show no toxins in air following large junkyard fire in Philadelphia, officials say

PHILADELPHIA - Health officials in Philadelphia said residents can breathe easy following a junkyard fire that sparked air quality concerns. 

Over 150 firefighters were called to the 3-alarm fire that ripped through a junkyard near Harbison and Torresdale avenues around 3:30 p.m Wednesday. 

SkyFOX flew over the inferno and captured plumes of dense black smoke rising high about the city. 

A short time later, health officials issued an air quality advisory for people who live near the fire. They told neighbors to avoid going outside and close their windows. 

Hours after the fire, health officials said those living in the area can return to their normal routines. Air quality tests, according to the city, showed no toxins.

Air quality in and around Philadelphia was already poor due to the burning wildfires in Halifax, Nova Scotia that prompted a Code Orange locally.  

No firefighters or civilians were injured during the fire. Investigators are unsure what sparked the blaze.

The fire caused street closures just before Wednesday rush hour traffic. The Office of Emergency Management said Tacony Street is closed in both directions between Van Kirk and Bridge streets, and the I-95 exit ramp has been shutdown.