A fire station in the northwest section of Philadelphia will reopen Friday after an 8-month long closure to investigate toxic fumes that were making firefighters sick.
Engine Company 66's station, located at 7720 Ridge Ave. in the city's Roxborough neighborhood, will reopen 10 a.m. Friday, according to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.
Authorities began investigating the noxious odor reported by the company in December 2013 -- the same month crews and equipment were relocated to Ladder 30's station at 6630 Ridge Ave.
Before the station closed, several firefighters were taken to local hospitals after feeling light-headed.
An investigation revealed petroleum products and fuel gases were present, Sawyer said.
Several city, state and federal agencies worked over the past eight months to ensure the fire station could reopen safely.
Final tests show the fumes are no longer present, said Sawyer, who added an exterior fuel tank was removed and a Radon mitigation system was installed as precautionary measures.
