Several Businesses On Fire Along Walnut Street In Center City Following Violent George Floyd Protests
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Several businesses are on fire along Walnut Street in Center City after protests over George Floyd's death turned violent on Saturday. Chopper 3 was over the scene where smoke could be seen billowing from a store on the 1700 block of Walnut Street, just steps away from Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square.
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Sources tell Eyewitness News the fire has spread to a handful of businesses and crews have all hands on deck as they work to extinguish the fire. Among the buildings on fire is a bank.
The fire is at three alarms. More than 100 firefighters are battling the blaze.
It remains unclear how the fire started or if anyone was injured.
There are rows of commercial businesses along this stretch of Center City West.
Massive looting also took place just blocks away along Walnut and Chestnut Streets in Center City, including at Nordstrom Rack, Boyds and Sephora.
Earlier in the evening, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at least four police vehicles were set on fire, including a Pennsylvania State Police cruiser.
A mandatory curfew went into effect at 8 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. Sunday. The curfew will go back into effect Sunday from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday. During that time, people may leave their homes only to go to work at essential businesses or to seek medical attention or police assistance, Major Jim Kenney said.
