Philadelphia Trash Pile Fire Blazes, Causing Major Highway ClosurePhiladelphia Trash Pile Fire Blazes, Causing Major Highway Closure A massive trash pile fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon in Philadelphia, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and forcing the closure of a major highway. The fire, located near the Girard Point Bridge in South Philadelphia, quickly spread, engulfing piles of trash and debris that had accumulated at the site. Firefighters rushed to the scene to battle the blaze, but its intensity and the large amount of combustible material made containment difficult. The intense heat and smoke from the fire made it impossible for crews to work on the bridge, prompting the closure of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in the city. Traffic was backed up for miles in both directions, causing major disruptions for commuters. Authorities said the fire likely started from a discarded cigarette, which ignited the trash. The flames quickly grew out of control, fueled by the high winds and the close proximity of the trash piles. The fire burned for several hours, sending a thick, acrid smoke over the surrounding area. Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid the area due to poor air quality. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control, but not before it caused significant damage to the bridge and the surrounding infrastructure. The cleanup and repair work is expected to take several days. The incident has raised concerns about the city’s trash disposal practices and the safety risks associated with improper waste management. Officials are urging residents to dispose of trash properly and to avoid illegal dumping, which can contribute to fires like the one that occurred in Philadelphia.