Old City firehouse reopens after damaging blaze

OLD CITY (WPVI) -- Nearly a year after a fire put an Old City firehouse out of commission, firefighters were able to return to a newly renovated facility.

The Ladder 2 firehouse is a landmark in historic Old City.

Fresh off a $500,000 renovation and makeover, it is back in operation Friday after an almost 12 month hiatus.

"We're very happy to be back. We know that the members of the community are happy that we are back," said Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.

In September 2013, the firehouse at 4th and Arch streets, was itself the scene of a major fire.

There was extensive damage but fortunately no injuries.

Now after major improvements were made at a cost of $475,000, Commissioner Sawyer showed off improvements including a state-of-the-art vehicle exhaust system.

Ladder 2 is back and open for business after a nearly a one year shutdown. The fire commissioner says its absence never represented a significant high level of risk to the community.

"Where they were relocated to was just a little bit over a mile away. It was a mile further for them to respond but there were companies even closer than that," said Commissioner Sawyer.

The immediate neighborhood mixes big buildings, the Philadelphia Mint, a hotel and plenty of residential housing, apartments and condos.

"The day we were looking at the unit, the firehouse was on fire. We watched the fire from the unit we ended up buying. We're very glad that they're open. We've watch the reconstruction and we're glad they're back," said Larry Loebell, resident.

"Knowing that they're right around the corner if something bad were to happen is a good feeling so I'm glad about that for sure," said James Strong, resident.