On the morning of Thursday, June 5, 2025, a three-alarm fire destroyed at least 40 out-of-service buses at SEPTA’s Midvale depot in the Tioga-Nicetown neighborhood of Philadelphia. The blaze, which began around 6:15 a.m., sent a thick column of black smoke into the air, visible from various parts of the city. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to SEPTA Communications Director Andrew Busch, the destroyed buses were decommissioned and awaiting disposal. Among them were 15 electric units made by Proterra that had not been used in years and were involved in ongoing litigation.

More than 150 firefighters responded to the incident, facing significant challenges in accessing the area and maintaining water supply. Thanks to SEPTA staff cooperation, unaffected buses were moved, allowing better access to combat the flames. The fire was brought under control by approximately 8:00 a.m.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a health alert, advising nearby residents to stay indoors and avoid the area. Inspectors detected elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, along with benzene, ethylbenzene, and carbon monoxide in the air. Although pollution levels have decreased, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions are still advised to exercise caution.

This incident highlights the importance of proper decommissioning of public vehicles and the need for strong safety protocols to prevent environmental and public health risks. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.