Amtrak and SEPTA resumed service after they were halted between Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and New Jersey for much of the Tuesday evening commute as a massive junkyard fire burned in North Philadelphia.
The massive black smoke plume could be seen for miles -- as far away as the surrounding suburbs -- and nearby residents were warned to stay inside while air quality tests were performed.
SkyForce10 was over the scene at Titan Auto Recycling at North 3rd and West Sedgley streets around 5:30 p.m. An hour later, the massive dark gray smoke plume was still rising from the junkyard.
The Philadelphia Fire Department said about 100 firefighters responded to the fire. They were able to place under control at 7:15 p.m., but the department said crews would remain on scene throughout Tuesday night to put out hot spots.
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City health officials warned residents in nearby neighborhoods to avoid going outside for the time being.
"The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning residents to avoid the area or try to stay inside. The Health Department has dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat," officials said in a statement. "At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. Residents in the area should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke."
No injuries have been reported.
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Amtrak and SEPTA trains were able to move through Philadelphia again around 10 p.m., the agencies said.
However, SEPTA trains on the Trenton and West Trenton lines were suspended for the rest of Tuesday night as the tracks connecting 30th Street station with New Jersey run directly adjacent to the junkyard.
Amtrak finally lifted any speed restrictions early Wednesday morning.
