The hazmat fire that took place early this morning has been put out and is now being monitored for hot spots and air quality. The roads are also back open. No injuries have been reported.

Below is a statement from the Plymouth Fire Company No. 1 that provides a recap of the response to the fire from first responders.

At 05:02 hours, your Plymouth Fire Company No. 1 (Montco 43) volunteers were dispatched with an engine to the 800 block of River Road at the Coopers Creek Chemical Plant in neighboring Upper Merion Township for a hazardous materials incident.

Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS units from station 56 were on location with heavy fire showing from the area of several large tanks used in the making of tar and other products. The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety ‘s Hazardous Materials Team Station 81 ad well as the County’s foam task force was also requested into the scene to assist.

Squirt and Chief 43 made the response with a crew of 7. Upon their arrival the Squirt was assigned to hook into Engine 56’s hydrant and boost pressure. The Squirt’s crew were then assigned to back of the property to support with their manpower. The crew would man portable monitors to assist in cooling down the tanks.

The fire was eventually brought under control utilizing foam from the task force as well as Merk’s Squirt 13. Station 43 personnel was released by command and available back in quarters just after 06:30 hours.

Station 56 and the Haz Mat Team would remain on location to ensure full extinguishment as well as monitoring the air quality and tanks before clearing. There were no reported injuries to plant workers or first responders.

Photo: Plymouth Fire Company No. 1