1-10-2011 PA Philadelphia 4800 Walnut St.-5th Alarm Building
On January 10, 2011 at 2:48 p.m. a building fire was dispatched in Philadelphia at 4800 Walnut Street in the West side of the City. Battalion 7 arrived with a occupied 4 story apartment building ”Windmere Court Apartments”, W shaped, with smoke showing from the 3rd floor. 2&2 were placed in operation. District Chief 1 arrived and reported fire conditions on the 3rd floor and extending. 2&2 were added above the box to assist with evacuations of occupants from the building. The 2nd alarm was sounded shortly after. Command reported the fire had extended and was through the roof, striking the 3rd alarm. The 4th was struck shortly after. Companies were pulled from the building as fire conditions worsened and the building was declared not safe to operate in. All occupants were evacuated from the building and accounted for. Crews set up for defensive operations operating with multiple Ladder Pipes and hand lines. The fire had extended to all 3 wings of the building and was burning the upper floors and roof.
At 4:37 Command struck the 5th alarm. Of the 90 units in the building 89 were occupied. The building was reported to be a total loss. One occupant reported seeing a wheelchair man trapped on the fire escape. He stated firefighters gained access to him and removed him in minutes.
50 pieces of apparatus along with 165 firefighters were called to battle the massive blaze. City Salt trucks were called in to salt the area due to freezing water on the ground. “The fire started to run the roof cockloft a lot faster then we could get hose lines and Firefighters up to that Fourth floor.” – Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
One resident was taken to a local hospital with smoke inhalation. One city worker was also treated after falling. No firefighter injuries were reported on the fire ground. “It’s an amazing achievement being exhibited by the Philadelphia Fire Department here tonight.” – Mayor Michael Nutter. The fire was placed under control at 7:25 p.m. The American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at a nearby high school. Most occupants were able to make arrangements for a place to stay however, the Red Cross provided a place to stay for the ones who could not. 110 residents were displaced from the building. Two schools were closed Tuesday due to air quality. Local news networks reported the management of the building would give residents their security deposits back if they agreed not to sue.
--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig
Read MoreAt 4:37 Command struck the 5th alarm. Of the 90 units in the building 89 were occupied. The building was reported to be a total loss. One occupant reported seeing a wheelchair man trapped on the fire escape. He stated firefighters gained access to him and removed him in minutes.
50 pieces of apparatus along with 165 firefighters were called to battle the massive blaze. City Salt trucks were called in to salt the area due to freezing water on the ground. “The fire started to run the roof cockloft a lot faster then we could get hose lines and Firefighters up to that Fourth floor.” – Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
One resident was taken to a local hospital with smoke inhalation. One city worker was also treated after falling. No firefighter injuries were reported on the fire ground. “It’s an amazing achievement being exhibited by the Philadelphia Fire Department here tonight.” – Mayor Michael Nutter. The fire was placed under control at 7:25 p.m. The American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at a nearby high school. Most occupants were able to make arrangements for a place to stay however, the Red Cross provided a place to stay for the ones who could not. 110 residents were displaced from the building. Two schools were closed Tuesday due to air quality. Local news networks reported the management of the building would give residents their security deposits back if they agreed not to sue.
--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig
