3-alarm brush fire in Upper Roxborough under control; 2 Philadelphia firefighters injured

About 120 Philadelphia firefighters worked for hours to place a three-alarm brush fire in Upper Roxborough under control Monday afternoon, the department said.

Fire crews told CBS News Philadelphia the two biggest things they're dealing with are the wind and the location of the blaze, which was in a wooded area near Nixon Street and Port Royal Avenue.

Wind speeds were recorded at 20-25 miles per hour, at times hitting 40 miles per hour in Philadelphia, which made it increasingly difficult to contain the fire.

Two firefighters were injured at the scene but fire officials said they are OK.

"We're going to be here for a while doing what we have to do just to put these pockets out," Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Derek Bowmer said.

According to a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department, the brush fire broke out just before 12:45 p.m. It's unclear at this time what ignited the fire.

Firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze for two hours before the department upgraded the fire to a three-alarm fire.

Residents in the area reported a strong smell of smoke earlier Monday. Some who live nearby were told to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

The department advises residents that if they smell smoke, to stay inside, close the windows and avoid the area.   

Sometime after 3 p.m., the fire spread to at least one structure, according to a Philadelphia fire spokesperson. It's unclear at this time what the structure is.

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