Massive SEPTA fire damages 40 buses in Nicetown

A fire at SEPTA's Nicetown maintenance facility on Thursday morning damaged 40 buses, including 16 electric vehicles from Proterra. The blaze, which was ignited in an area storing decommissioned buses, quickly escalated to a three-alarm fire, prompting a response from 150 firefighters. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s general manager, expressed the agency's desire to remove the Proterra buses to prevent future incidents. The Proterra fleet, purchased for about $24 million, has faced issues since 2019, including a previous fire in 2022.

Health officials are monitoring air quality in the area, warning residents to remain indoors due to detected pollutants. Substantial levels of particulate matter and benzene were found, although benzene levels were within safe exposure limits. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is confident that pollutant levels will continue to decrease.