Fire in Philadelphia under control after massive fire department response in Frankford
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A fire in the Frankford section of Philadelphia is now under control after it displaced residents, knocked out power and sent dozens of Philadelphia Fire Department trucks to the neighborhood Friday morning.
Chopper 3 was live Friday morning as flames fully engulfed a four-story building on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue near Wingohocking Street. Firefighters with the Philadelphia Fire Department were called to the scene at 5:30 a.m., Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Derek Bowmer said.
Officials say the fire impacted two commercial buildings, including an auto shop garage with several vehicles inside. Bowmer said the buildings were not occupied at the time of the fire.
As cars in the shop burned, some residents and onlookers heard sounds of popping or explosions.
Multiple homes across the street were evacuated, and embers spread to other buildings. Firefighters were having issues getting access to water and navigating trucks through the tight streets but continued to put out the flames.
Just before 9 a.m., the department announced the fire was under control.
According to the American Red Cross, 40 people were displaced due to utilities being turned off and the proximity of homes surrounding the burning buildings.
Several homes are close to the fire. Electric company PECO told CBS News Philadelphia that the fire impacted PECO equipment, and electrical service has been disabled in the area, affecting just under 900 customers.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner Derek Bowmer said the first crews to arrive found heavy fire at the multi-story building, which quickly grew to three alarms.
The Frankford Creek is behind the building, which hampered efforts as firefighters wanted to fight the fire from that side.
Bowmer said right now, "We are basically in a four-alarm, which is about 57 fire trucks and 140 people. ... We'll be here for a while."
The American Red Cross and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management opened a reception center Friday afternoon for the displaced residents at Samuel Fels High School. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania said the reception center will turn into a shelter Friday night for those who need to stay overnight.
The Philadelphia fire marshal's office will investigate the cause of the fire.
NEXT Traffic Reporter Kim Hudson recommends using alternate routes like Castor Avenue, Frankford Avenue, Orthodox Street or Lycoming Street if you are driving in the area. Adams Avenue is closed between Church Street and Wingohocking Street with many fire trucks and emergency vehicles in the area.
