Firefighters combat blaze at J&K Salvage in York: See the video
Firefighters are battling a massive blaze at J&K Salvage in York.
A two-alarm fire at the site of J&K Salvage has sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky over the salvage yard as firefighters battle an intense blaze.
Firefighters were first called to the site at J&K Salvage, located at 1099 Kings Mill Road in Spring Garden Township, around 2:03 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, according to York County 911 records.
A second alarm, indicating the need for additional units, was then called to the scene around 2:30 p.m., according to records. The fire was initially reported in a building and was later reported as having spread to cars and tractor trailers on the salvage yard, 911 reported.
Authorities said the fire was contained at about 3:45 p.m.
Numerous posts across social media show that a massive plume of black smoke is billowing from the site, located just outside of York City. Explosions were also heard from the site.
The York County Hazardous Materials Team was called to the scene for a report of burning oil drums. State Department of Environmental Protection response vehicles with sirens blaring were seen headed to the site of the fire at 4:15 p.m..
In April 2022, firefighters responded to the salvage yard for a report of an exceptionally loud explosion from the business. Owner Joe Darrah reported at the time that the explosion was the result of “normal operations.”
Firefighters respond to blaze at J&K Salvage: See the video
Firefighters work to douse the flames on the scene of a huge fire at J&K Salvage in Spring Garden Township.
The salvage yard has a history of controversy, including violations of environmental regulations, records show. In 2024, the company was held in contempt of court for failing to heed a state Department of Environmental Resources order to remove stockpiles of shingles and construction debris from the property. Owner Joe Darrah denied the allegations.
In July 2025, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper sued J&K for discharging pollutants into the Codorus Creek.
In 2021, Spring Garden Township sued the company over its industrial shredder spewing metal fragments into neighboring residential areas and onto the York County Heritage Rail Trail. The company settled that suit in 2022, agreeing to shut down the shredder, install upgrades and pay fines for future violations.
Staff writer Harrison Jones contributed to this report.
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