All clear given after potential hazmat situation, evacuations on block in Point Breeze

POINT BREEZE (KYW Newsradio) — Police, fire, counter terrorism, hazmat and SWAT personnel were dispatched to home on south 22nd Street in Point Breeze on Friday afternoon after neighbors reported a strong smell of ammonia and bleach coming from inside the residence.

Eventually, every house on the block and ones on nearby Latona and Oakford Streets were evacuated as crews conducted their work around the potential hazmat situation. Roads remained closed in the afternoon for a couple hours.

Talley, a neighbor who spoke to KYW, said the situation was initially really concerning for her and other nearby residents.

“Basically the whole block was blocked off with fire trucks [and] police cars,” Talley said. “They started putting caution tape to my hand rail.”

Philadelphia Police Captain Kenneth McKinney explained why authorities turned out in such force.

“We handled [it] like a standard barricade situation. All for safety, community safety, and for  fire board safety and our safety,” he said. “Once we got no response, our teams, they suited up, checked the first for chemicals, negative for a hazmat situation, checked for the well being of the person inside, if anybody was inside.”

McKinney went on to say that the house was discovered to be empty during the course of the initial response by crews.

After a chemical check by fire crews, it was declared all clear for neighbors and those also evacuated on surrounding blocks to return to their homes.

An investigation remains ongoing into what caused the strong odor.