Philadelphia, PA – February 28, 2025 – The law firm Anapol Weiss has filed a class action lawsuit against SPS Technologies, LLC d/b/a PCC Fasteners – SPS Jenkintown (“SPS”) on behalf of residents and business owners affected by a massive fire at the company’s facility in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. The complaint, filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, alleges that SPS’s negligence and recklessness led to a catastrophic fire that caused significant health risks, property damage, and economic losses to surrounding residents and businesses.
On the evening of February 17, 2025, a four-alarm fire erupted at SPS’ factory in Jenkintown, resulting in explosions and hazardous smoke blanketing the surrounding community. Approximately sixty fire companies worked to battle the blaze. The fire was not fully extinguished until five days after it began, on February 22.
Listed among the 177 tons of chemicals generated and disposed of by SPS in 2023, according to the EPA’s 2023 Toxic Release Inventory, were chemicals designated as “ignitable waste.”
Toxic chemicals used in SPS’s manufacturing processes were released into the environment during the explosion and fire, posing health threats to the community. Residents and businesses within a one-mile radius were forced to shelter in place and later evacuate due to air quality concerns.
“This fire has left an entire community grappling with uncertainty about their health and safety,” said Kila Baldwin of Anapol Weiss.
“Medical monitoring is essential to ensuring that those exposed to hazardous chemicals receive early detection and necessary care for potential long-term health consequences,” noted Baldwin.
In addition to the health risks individuals faced from toxic chemicals, homeowners in the area have experienced extensive property damage, and businesses have reported financial losses. Businesses not only lost revenue during the shutdown, but many also continued to struggle afterward, as customers chose to go elsewhere due to concerns about the area's air and water safety.
The plaintiffs allege SPS failed to implement reasonable fire prevention and hazardous material storage protocols, despite known risks.
The lawsuit brings claims of negligence, private and public nuisance, and seeks medical monitoring for affected residents due to their exposure to toxic fumes. Plaintiffs also seek compensatory and punitive damages for economic losses, property damage, emotional distress, and personal injuries resulting from the disaster.
“This lawsuit aims to hold SPS accountable and provide relief for families and businesses who have suffered because of this disaster,” Baldwin added. “Beyond immediate damages, long-term health risks must be addressed, and SPS must take responsibility for preventing future catastrophes.”
Anapol Weiss encourages affected residents and business owners to come forward and learn more about their legal rights in this matter. The firm has a history of success in representing clients in class action claims involving community effects of industrial fires, as demonstrated by the $35 million settlement that Baldwin helped litigate for a class of individuals and businesses in the Bridgeport fire case in 2008.
About Anapol Weiss
Anapol Weiss, a majority-female-owned law firm based in Philadelphia, has recovered hundreds of millions for victims of defective drugs, medical malpractice, auto accidents, electric line injuries, industrial fire injuries, and other complex injury cases.
