His customers, such as the Pascale family of Collingdale, sifted through what remained of their possessions, trying to salvage mementos, furniture, and household goods. Eighty of the 350 storage units were lost in the fire; others suffered smoke damage.
Collingdale Mayor Frank Kelly said Thursday that state fire investigators might need a month to determine the cause of the fire, which sent shrapnel from exploding propane tanks high into the air, prompting the evacuation of homes and businesses.
The fire, which raged out of control for hours, was thought to have originated in an accident at the plant.
The blaze started shortly before 1 p.m., and the main concern was two large propane tanks - 30,000 gallons and 18,000 gallons - in back of the building. More than 300 emergency workers from 30 companies in Delaware County and surrounding counties fought the five-alarm blaze. The fire was declared under control about 4:30 p.m., and officials began letting almost everyone return home shortly after 7 p.m.
An unidentified Scully employee was in critical but stable condition Thursday at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, according to a spokesman. Two other people injured in the fire, and five firefighters who suffered heat-related illness received hospital treatment and were released, according to Kelly.
"We were extremely lucky there were no fatalities," he said. Kelly, one of the first to arrive at the burning building, said he was almost hit by shrapnel.
A notice on Scully's website said the company thanked "everyone for their patience and support during these challenging times." A woman who answered the phone at the company's Hatfield office said no one was available to make a statement.
