4 escape from house fire in Philadelphia's Mayfair section; charging hoverboard may be to blame

Updated 1 hour ago
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Officials are investigating what caused a house fire in Philadelphia's Mayfair section early Thursday morning. Four people were able to escape the blaze.

A man who escaped told 6abc that investigators were looking at a hoverboard that was charging in the basement.

The fire started around 2 a.m. at a home on Magee Street.

Alexandra has lived in the home for nearly two years.

"It is very bad. The damage is terrible," said Alexandra, who asked we not use her last name.



Alexandra allowed 6abc to get a look at some of the damage, which included blackened debris and charred steps to the basement, where she says the fire began.

"I just packed everything to move out," Alexandra said.

Alexandra explained that around 2 a.m., two adult family members and a friend were asleep on the second floor when she heard the alarm. She went downstairs and saw smoke coming from the basement.

"I tell everybody, 'Wake up! Wake up! The fire, fire!' I grabbed my dog- we go down, and we called the 911. And then we knocked on neighbors' doors to wake them up and come outside," she said.

Everyone was able to get out safely.



The investigation is ongoing and the Red Cross is assisting.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.