Fire Tears Through Philadelphia Recycling Center Thursday Morning

PHILADELPHIA – Crews battled a three-alarm fire at a Southwest Philadelphia recycling center that broke out Thursday morning for several hours, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

More than a dozen fire apparatuses were on scene, the fire department said.

The fire, initially reported as a two-alarm fire but later upgraded to a three-alarm fire, broke out at a facility at Island and Paschall Avenues in Southwest Philadelphia.

Crews responded to a warehouse at Pasco Inc., 7250 Paschall Ave., at about 9:44 a.m. for a report of the fire, the fire department said.

After about three hours, firefighters had the fire under control. Crews remained on scene into Thursday afternoon, the fire department said.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury, according to the fire department.

A nearby school in Delaware County was forced to evacuate students, faculty, and staff due to the heavy smell of smoke.

The fire forced the PennDOT Driver License Center located at 2320 Island Ave. to closure until further notice.

All customers who use this center are being asked to utilize either the Whitman Plaza Driver License Center at 330 West Oregon Ave. in Philadelphia; the Arch Street Driver License Center at 801 Arch St. in Philadelphia; or the Granite Run Driver License Center at the Granite Run Mall, 1067 West Baltimore Pike in Media.

Customers who have skills tests scheduled at Island Avenue will be contacted by PennDOT staff and be redirected to another location.

Patch file photo