PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A fire broke out overnight in Chinatown and spread to at least three buildings at 10th and Race streets.
The fire started around 2 a.m. at a market, which has five apartment units above it. It spread to two more buildings on its left and right.
Huge flames were seen shooting out the top. The smoke was so heavy that it could be seen from Camden.
Firefighters continued dousing the building with water at 6 a.m. It was deemed under control shortly thereafter.
Around 5 a.m., a part of the roof of the initial building collapsed, but crews were prepared.
“We did have a collapse of the roof of the original fire dwelling, but not outside of the collapse zone,” noted Fire Capt. Derek Bowmer.
All apartment units were evacuated. It is unknown how many people have been displaced.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
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People like Henry Chow visited the scene. “I was going out for a workout this morning and saw on my Citizen app that there was a fire in Chinatown. I know a lot of businesses and family down here, so I wanted to just come by and see what’s going.”
He said it’s fortunate that the fire station is next door.
“They’ve been working pretty hard all morning, and there are dozens of them out here. Thank God we have them here making sure everyone’s safe.”
Smoke alarms were working in the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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