11-24-2008 PA Philadelphia Cambria St.- 3rd Alarm Warehouse

At 10:25 A.M, a building fire was reported at the 300 block of Cambria Street Engine 25 arrived 3 minutes later and reported a warehouse with heavy fire on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Engine 25 struck the 2nd alarm. Crews arrived and set up for defensive operations and exposure protection. The Deputy Chief struck the 3rd alarm 15 minutes from the initial alarm. Companies were sent to the C Division of the building to protect a 5 story exposure building. Other Ladder Companies were directed to close all fire doors for fear of the fire spreading. The Fire Commissioner reported there were companies on all levels of the building to keep the fire from spreading to exposures. The Neighbors in the near by area were evacuated and advised to be seek shelter at a near by school. The fire was placed under control at 11:37 A.M. The building was victim of a 3 alarm fire on September 22, 2007 as well as today. The Fire Commissioner stated it was a suspicious fire due to the building being vacant with no gas or electric connections. PECO was called to work on a transformer which was directly in front of the building. The transformer blew which caused approx 300 residents to loose power. The Office of Emergency Management, Red Cross and Salvation Army were called to assist residents who were displaced during the fire.

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig