3 injured, roughly 50 displaced after 4-alarm fire destroys apartment building in Rhawnhurst
According to officials, about 50 people have been displaced and three residents suffered minor injuries.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A massive four-alarm fire destroyed an apartment building in Philadelphia's Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
The call came in around 9:24 p.m. Thursday for flames showing from the roof of the property located on the 7400 block of Roosevelt Blvd., just north of Cottman Avenue.
"On arrival companies found heavy smoke conditions emanating from the fourth floor. Companies went into service with an interior check to locate and find a fire while simultaneously looking for any occupants and making sure they were removed safely," said Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson.
The fire reached four alarms before it was brought under control just after midnight.
DeVona MacFarland, who was preparing for a family reunion in South Carolina, was in the shower when the alarm sounded.
"The good thing is, we're all alive. That's all that matters," she said, realizing that she may not have a home when she returns.
"I said to the fireman, 'I hope I have something to come back to when I come back. He said, 'We'll do our best,'" explained MacFarland.
The view from Chopper 6 captured the charred remains of the property. Crews remained on scene overnight to put out any hotspots.
According to officials, about 50 people were displaced and three residents suffered minor injuries.
The American Red Cross and Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management are opening a shelter for those impacted by the fire. It's located at Samuel Fels High School on the 5500 block of Langdon St.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
