Massive fire breaks out on decommissioned SEPTA buses in Philadelphia

A massive fire at SEPTA’s Midvale Depot consumed multiple decommissioned buses, but no injuries have been reported

A large fire engulfed multiple SEPTA buses at a yard in the Tioga-Nicetown section of Philadelphia on June 5.

The fire, which began around 6:15 a.m. at SEPTA's Midvale Depot, was quickly upgraded to a 3-alarm blaze. The facility, located off Roberts Avenue, stores decommissioned buses that are awaiting scrapping.

Massive Fire at Septa’s Midvale Nicetown Depot. All buses are decommissioned and used for parts. Fire fighters having trouble getting water to the buses that are in the middle of the pack in this bone yard.
SKYFOX pic.twitter.com/zljBB4tODG

— Bob Kelly (@BobKellyFOX29) June 5, 2025

Andrew Busch, SEPTA’s director of communications, confirmed to local media that the buses on fire were not in service and were scheduled for disposal.

"These are getting ready to go to the scrap heap," Busch said. He also assured the public that no in-service buses were in the vicinity of the blaze, and none were threatened by the fire.

Thick, black smoke from the blaze was visible across the city, causing significant traffic disruptions as drivers slowed down or stopped to observe the fire.

Septa bus fire #philly #septa pic.twitter.com/lMXMR4Q9Al

— FromPhilly_2where_ever (@bigface_travels) June 5, 2025

Streets near the yard were closed, and traffic was backed up along Route 1 due to the congestion.

The Philadelphia Fire Department reported that the fire was under control by 8:00 a.m. No injuries have been reported.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, with officials speculating that the flames may have spread from one bus to several others.

SEPTA confirmed that regular bus services were not impacted by the fire.