Retired Police Officer Killed In Northern Liberties House Fire; 3 Firefighters Injured
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A retired Philadelphia police officer was killed and three firefighters were injured after flames tore through a Northern Liberties row home late Tuesday evening. One of the firefighters is in critical condition.
Firefighters got the call for the blaze in the 800 block of North Fifth Street just before 11:30 p.m.
When they got on scene, they say the home was heavily engulfed in flames, and they learned someone was trapped. They quickly called for a second alarm.
The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight, but not before it claimed the life of a 70-year-old man. Two family members were able to get out of the home with only minor injuries.
Three firefighters were also injured; all three are at Temple University Hospital. One firefighter is in critical condition after falling from a ladder. The two other firefighters suffered burns and are listed in stable condition.
There is no word on the identity of the victim, but fire officials say he is a retired Philadelphia police officer.
A preliminary investigation points towards the fire starting in a dryer in the basement, but officials are still working to confirm an exact cause. Fire officials an initial search did not reveal any smoke alarms.
The Red Cross is providing assistance to residents who were affected by the fire.
Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio and Dray Clark, CBS 3
