Phoenixville Students Sheltered In Place During Hazmat Fire

This story was updated at 11 a.m. June 2.

SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP, PA — A house fire and hazmat condition in Phoenixville today required some Phoenixville Area School District students to shelter in place on Wednesday morning.

Phoenixville Area School District Superintendent Dr. Alan D. Fegley emailed parents after the district was informed of the fire between the Phoenixville High School and Schuylkill Elementary School, according to the district.

"We were informed earlier this morning of a house fire between the high school and Schuylkill elementary. In an abundance of caution, we are asking all students and staff to remain indoors until the fire department has the fire extinguished," Fegley told parents late Wednesday morning.

But, at 10:25 a.m. the district said it had been "informed by the authorities the house fire has been contained, and it is now safe for PASD students/staff to be outdoors."

Fire and emergency crews worked at the scene of a home fire at Melvin Road near City Line Avenue in Schuylkill Township, the Phoenixville Fire Department reported.

A crew with Engine 65-1 was reportedly assisting the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Co. on a house fire and hazardous materials incident, according to a 10:30 a.m post by the fire department. The Chester County Hazardous Materials Response Team was also at the scene, the fire department reported at that time.

Phoenixville Fire Department urged to avoid the area but said at 10:20 a.m. in a social media post "no protective actions for the general public have been announced."

6ABC reported around 10 a.m. that nearby residents were also evacuated but that the fire was under control. There is no word on any injuries at this point, the report said.