At a Glance
- More than 70 firefighters and medics responded to a three-story rowhome fire on North Lee Street.
- Flames were spotted pouring from the third floor shortly before 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.
- No injuries were reported and the fire was declared under control by 9:19 a.m.
- Why it matters: The quick response kept the blaze from spreading in the densely packed Kensington rowhome block.
A fast-moving fire tore through a three-story Kensington rowhome Wednesday morning, drawing a massive emergency response and shutting down part of North Lee Street as crews doused the flames from outside the building.
Heavy Smoke and Flames on Third Floor
According to News Of Philadelphia, the incident began when 911 calls reported heavy fire at the property on the 2800 block of North Lee Street just before 8:15 a.m. First-arriving companies found flames venting from the third-floor windows of the mixed-use structure, which houses storefronts at street level and apartments on the upper floors.
Because conditions quickly deteriorated inside, incident commanders ordered all personnel out of the building and switched to a defensive operation, using ladder pipes and handlines to attack the fire from the exterior.
- Over 70 firefighters, medics, and support staff converged on the block.
- Crews positioned aerial streams to darken down the flames.
- Police closed surrounding streets to traffic during the operation.
Fire Placed Under Control Without Injuries
By approximately 9:19 a.m., officials confirmed the fire was under control and that no residents, firefighters, or bystanders had been hurt. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, according to Robert K. Lawson.
What’s Next
Fire investigators will remain on scene to determine where and how the fire started. The city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections has been asked to assess the structural stability of the damaged rowhome before any residents are allowed back inside.
Key Takeaways
- All occupants are safe and accounted for.
- More than 70 emergency personnel responded.
- The fire originated on the third floor and was controlled in just over an hour.
- An official cause has not yet been released.
