PHILADELPHIA, PA — Authorities are investigating a series of refuse fires reported overnight at trash collection sites across the city, officials announced Friday.
The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that no injuries occurred and that the fires were extinguished without major damage, thanks to a rapid response from the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel and Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson issued a joint statement Friday warning that if any of the fires are determined to have been intentionally set, they will be treated as criminal acts. “Anyone who is caught starting one of these fires will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the statement read.
The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating each fire with assistance from the ATF Task Force. Officials noted that the exact cause of the fires remains under investigation.
The fires occurred amid ongoing tensions related to a citywide work stoppage, though no direct link has been confirmed.
The Fire Department also issued a public reminder of the dangers posed by trash fires, which can release toxic smoke and environmental runoff, and potentially trigger additional fires if embers spread to nearby flammable materials.
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City leaders urged residents to be cautious during Independence Day celebrations, particularly with fireworks, which can cause unintentional fires.