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Resident urges accountability after JK Salvage fire, cites possible chemical runoff into local creek
Summary
A York County resident told commissioners a recent fire at JK Salvage sent thick smoke across neighborhoods and, he said, allowed oil and other contaminants to reach a local creek; he urged a transparent investigation and greater oversight.
Andrew Kimbrell, a York City resident, addressed the commissioners during public comment to urge accountability after a fire at JK Salvage in Spring Garden Township.
Kimbrell said the recent fire "spread thick smoke across the area" and that containers holding hundreds of gallons of oil burned; he said runoff from that fire entered the local creek and that community members were concerned about safety and environmental contamination. He also referenced prior litigation and alleged long-standing problems at the site including claims of illegal dumping of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
"I really urge you guys to make sure that there's some accountability and transparency in the way that the investigation into both this fire and into this business is handled going forward," Kimbrell said.
Kimbrell said neighbors have previously reported explosions that sent debris toward homes and that workplace‑related litigation has been filed against the company. The transcript does not record a direct response from county staff or commissioners to these specific allegations during the meeting.
The comment was entered during the commissioners' public comment period; the board thanked the speaker and moved on with the agenda. The transcript does not show the county opening an investigation or presenting technical environmental results at this meeting.
