Residents Displaced by 5-Alarm W. Philadelphia Apartment Fire
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Nearly 160 firefighters battled a five-alarm blaze at an apartment complex in West Philadelphia that displaced nearly 100 residents and forced two nearby schools to shut down for at least a day.
Officials of the School District of Philadelphia announced in a statement Monday night that Henry Lea Elementary School, at 47th and Locust Streets, and West Philadelphia High School, at 47th and Walnut, will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 due to the fire:
"The safety of students and staff at our schools is and will always be a top priority of the district. Currently, members of the district's Facilities and Operations Department, in conjunction with city officials, are conducting an assessment of the schools to determine when they may reopen."
Authorities say the blaze broke out at about 3 p.m. at the Windermere Court Apartment Complex, in the 4800 block of Walnut Street, and quickly went to several alarms. A fourth alarm was struck at about 4 p.m. and fifth alarm followed at about 4:40 p.m.
At least 90 apartment units were affected and 98 people were displaced. Despite the fire's massive size, firefighters on the scene were able to contain the flames to just the one building.
Mayor Michael Nutter heralded the city's response.
"It is an amazing achievement by the Philadelphia Fire Department being exhibited here," said Nutter. "The building had 90 units, apparently 89 of which were occupied. (All) the families are presently at West Philadelphia High (School), they'll be relocated very shortly."
GALLERY: Photos From The Fire Scene
Residents of the building were safely evacuated and taken to a makeshift shelter at the nearby Locke School, at 47th and Haverford. There, the Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents.
There was no immediate word on what caused the fire.
One person was reportedly transported to a nearby hospital due to smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
The fire was placed under control just before 8 p.m. Monday evening.
School district officials said staff from West Philadelphia High should report to University City High School at 3601 Filbert Street. Staff from Henry Lea Elementary should report to Andrew Hamilton Elementary at 5640 Spruce Street.
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For more information and resources regarding this fire, please visit the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross.
