8-1-2008 PA Philadelphia 3rd-Cumberland St.'s-5th Alarm Warehouse

A Tactical Box was transmitted in Philadelphia for a reported warehouse fire at 3rd and Cumberland Streets at 11:44 P.M. Engine 2 arriving first, reported a 5 story warehouse with heavy fire conditions on the 1st and 2nd floors. Battalion 8 arrived and struck the 2nd alarm for heavy fire conditions as fire was extending to the upper floors. The 2nd Alarm was transmitted 13 minutes after the 1st alarm companies arrived. Companies secured water supplies and led off with master streams. Command reported companies were in operation with their heaviest water lines. The 3rd Alarm was struck as fire was consuming the entire building. Companies surrounded the building with Ladder Pipes and 2 ½” hose lines. The 4th and 5th Alarms were struck at the same time for additional pieces. Multiple Engines were placed on ember patrol to protect the other buildings in the area. Crews gained access to rooftops to protect these buildings. Deputy of Operations reported the warehouse was vacant and boarded at the time of the fire. A total of 38 apparatus manned by 140 firefighters were called to the scene. 10 properties were evacuated during the fire for fear of the fire spreading. Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the original fire building. The fire was placed under control at 1:39. No injuries were reported on the fire ground. The fire is under investigation.

--Photos NJFG Ted Aurig