Two Firefighters Injured, Residents Displaced After 4-Alarm Fire In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A four alarm fire in Center City Philadelphia that left two firefighters injured has been placed under control, officials tell CBS 3.
The fire was reported just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 2100 block of Locust Street.
Fire officials say two firefighters suffered minor injuries, but are expected to be okay.
CBS 3 is told about 20 people have been evacuated.
PHOTOS: Crews Battle 4-Alarm Fire In Center City
The fire reached three alarms around 6:28 p.m., later reaching four alarms.
CBS 3 is told the fire was placed under control at about 7:43 p.m.
The frigid temperatures made things even more dangerous for fire crews.
"If you don't keep the water flowing, the hose lines could freeze, so you have to worry about frostbite. There's a lot of issues when you have cold weather like this," Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer told Eyewitness News.
Sawyer said he believes the fire might have started in the basement, but it will be a long night ahead knocking down the remaining hotspots.
Sawyer said once that's done, L&I inspectors can access the building in the morning.
Once they declare it is safe, firefighters will be able to go in and determine a cause.
Mayor Jim Kenney is in Washington, D.C. on business, but members of his team were on sight.
The Director of the Office of Emergency Management says an evacuation center is being set up at Trinity Church at 22nd and Spruce. Evacuees should check in there.
The American Red Cross says it's assisting seven families with food, clothing and lodging.
Red Cross volunteers are currently assisting two families.
