SEPTA bus fire: Blaze that damaged 40 decommissioned buses at Philadelphia storage yard now under control
Share this @internewscast.com

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A fire damaged 40 decommissioned SEPTA buses, including 15 electric buses, at a Philadelphia storage yard on Thursday.

Employees reported the fire around 6:15 a.m. at the SEPTA Midvale District, adjacent to the Roberts Yard, located on the 2400 block of Roberts Avenue in the Tioga-Nicetown area of the city.

It was upgraded to a 3-alarm blaze around 7:30 a.m. Thick, black smoke could be seen billowing in the air at the height of the fire.

When the smoke finally cleared, some of the buses could be seen melted to the ground.

SEPTA bus yard fire as seen from Chopper 6

SEPTA bus yard fire as seen from Chopper 6

A total of 100 buses were in the yard, comprising both gas-powered and electric models. They were set to be sold for a “nominal amount” or scrapped, according to SEPTA Interim General Manager Scott Sauer.

Decommissioned buses are generally stored in the area for a year or less while SEPTA makes arrangements to dispose of them.

The electric buses that were involved were manufactured by Proterra and had not been in operation for several years. Sauer mentioned that SEPTA is currently engaged in ongoing litigation with Proterra, and the buses were being stored as part of this legal process.

When they were put into storage, Sauer said the batteries were disconnected, the coolant was drained and the buses continued to be inspected in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

In 2022, a coolant issue was to blame for a fire in another Proterra bus located at a different depot.

However, the cause of Thursday’s fire is not yet known. The fire marshal is investigating.

No injuries were reported.

Chopper 6 video shows the fire at a SEPTA storage facility in the Tioga-Nicetown section of Philadelphia.

Asst. Fire Chief Charles Walker said during a news conference that firefighters encountered several challenges, including access to the fire scene and water supply issues.

Walker said SEPTA workers were able to move buses that were not yet on fire so firefighters were able to get to the flames.

Once they were able to get more water to the scene, crews were able to make progress extinguishing the fire.

Explosions were heard during the fire, which Walker attributed to tires bursting from the extreme heat.

The ATF responded because the K-9 training center is on-site with small amounts of explosives. All explosive devices were quickly removed.

SEPTA bus yard fire as seen from Chopper 6

SEPTA bus yard fire as seen from Chopper 6

Midvale Depot is SEPTA’s largest facility, which is used for both maintenance and storage. Some 600 employees work there on any given day.

The fire sent a large plume of smoke into the sky, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health said pollutants have been detected in the air.

Preliminary data collected from the scene shows high levels of PM2.5 and PM10, and shows the presence of benzene, ethylbenzene, and CO, according to health officials. The levels of these pollutants have been dropping throughout the morning, and are expected them to continue to drop.

RELATED: PM10 vs PM2.5: What to know about the particulate matter in the air

Officials said Thursday night, the area is still unhealthy to breathe, and continue to recommend that residents stay out of the area and, if you are in the area, to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed.

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Environmentalists, politicians, celebrities recall life and influence of primatologist Jane Goodall

Environmental Advocates, Leaders, and Stars Reflect on Jane Goodall’s Legacy and Impact

Jane Goodall was a trailblazer, an unyielding advocate, and a deeply empathetic…
Pope Leo XIV intervenes in US abortion debate, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich giving award to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin

Pope Leo XIV Weighs in on US Abortion Discussion as Chicago Cardinal Cupich Honors Senator Durbin

ROME — Pope Leo XIV has made his first intervention in an…
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy students to travel from Lakeview, Chicago to Vatican City for audience with Pope Leo XIV

Students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy in Lakeview, Chicago to Visit Vatican City for a Meeting with Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Wednesday, a group of traveling students from Our…
Portland police seek public's help after 'safe space' officer loses track of assault suspect near ICE facility

Portland Police Request Public Assistance After ‘Safe Space’ Officer Loses Assault Suspect Near ICE Facility

The police are asking for help from the public to locate a…
Convicted Minnesota sex offender, 22, accused of posing as high school student on football team

Minnesota Sex Offender, 22, Allegedly Impersonated High School Football Player

A 22-year-old man with a criminal history of indecent exposure allegedly posed…
Missing woman's body found behind secret attic entrance in Northern California home

Remains of Missing Woman Discovered Behind Hidden Attic Door in Northern California House

Police say they found the body of a missing woman behind a…
Enough Talk, Time for Muscle: Why Pete Hegseth’s Military Overhaul Is the Reset We Need

Time for Action: Why Pete Hegseth’s Military Reforms Are Essential

By nature, I am serene and pastoral, spending my time working to…
10-time Olympic medalist Caeleb Dressel joining Sporting JAX Aquatic Club

Olympic Superstar Caeleb Dressel Joins Sporting JAX Aquatic Club

Dressel, hailing from Green Cove Springs, is about to reconnect with one…
Des Moines Public School Board accepts superintendent's resignation after ICE arrest

Des Moines School Board Approves Superintendent’s Resignation Following ICE Detention

The Des Moines Public Schools board has accepted the resignation of a…
UK stabbing, vehicle attack injures 4 outside synagogue, police say

Four people injured in UK stabbing and vehicle assault near synagogue, police report

At least four people were injured Thursday morning in a car and…
Israeli military arrests Greta Thunberg, flotilla activists after intercepting dozens of boats

The Israeli military detains Greta Thunberg and activists from a flotilla after stopping multiple boats.

Israeli naval forces intercepted 39 vessels from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on…
Trump uses government shutdown to dole out firings and political punishment

Trump Utilizes Government Shutdown to Issue Terminations and Political Reprimands

President Donald Trump has taken advantage of the government shutdown as a…