Image

11:51 AM / Thursday March 28, 2024

24 Feb 2018

City: Fire left Philadelphia building ‘imminently dangerous’

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
February 24, 2018 Category: Week In Review Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO:  Courtesy of Philadelphia Fire Dept.

associated press

City officials say an early morning fire at a building in Philadelphia’s Old City has left the structure “imminently dangerous.’’

David Perri, commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, said the property appeared to be a “total loss.’’

After evaluating the damage Monday, the agency ordered the building’s owner to remove an exterior fire escape to take the weight off the building facade on the upper floors. Perri says officials hope to save “the historic cast-iron facade.’’

Scores were evacuated from the building and adjacent structures after the alarm was sounded shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday. Fire crews reported the building engulfed in flames that were brought under control by 7 a.m. Sunday. No injuries were reported.

Monday afternoon, ATF investigators rose high above to get an aerial view of the damage, as they work to figure out what caused the 4-alarm fire that burned through several buildings along this historic Old City block Sunday morning.

Dozens were forced to evacuate from their homes and hotel rooms at the Best Western, just a few doors down.

“At like 3:45 in the morning – just all of a sudden wha, wha, wha, wha – and you walk up all scared and disoriented,” said Jessica Garcia, who was staying in the Best Western at the time the fire broke out. “One of the guys on our floor was banging this isn’t a joke you have to get up.”

Courtesy of Philadelphia Fire Dept.

This afternoon, hotel guests were allowed to access some rooms to retrieve belongings. They snapped photos showing damage inside.

“They called us this morning and said that we could come in and get our items that are in the rooms,” said Allison Longenhagen of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “They said there’s about 3-4 inches of water in the rooms, and that some things may or may not be salvageable, which is fine because we’re all okay.”

L and I says the building is in imminent danger of collapsing. The people who lived on the upper floors have nothing to return to.

“We realize that residents who lost their apartments are in a much bigger fix than we are,” said Cindy Johnson, of Morristown, New Jersey. “All we need is our car keys and we’ll be okay. Stuff is stuff.”

The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

6 Action News contributed to this report.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Philly NAACP

March 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email Tweet Email Related Posts Philadelphia Judicial Primary Candidates At A Glance Guide Philadelphia Judicial Candidates...

Commentary

cj speaks…The call to order

March 23, 2024

Tweet Email Philadelphia’s recent travesties continue to be highlighted in the news: the ongoing shooting incidents, train...

Health

Combatting loneliness in older adults

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in...

Home and Garden

So, You want to build a retaining wall: 6 things to know before you start

March 3, 2024

Tweet Email BPT When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall...

Fur Babies Rule!

Dog grooming advice to keep pets clean and healthy

March 2, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURESRegular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but...

Seniors

‘Soaring’ over hills or ‘playing’ with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality

February 23, 2024

Tweet Email By Terry Spencerassociated press POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff