PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A woman was killed and two others, including a young girl, were injured in a house fire in South Philadelphia Friday morning.
The fire started around 5 a.m. at the two-story row home on Mildred Street, just off Oregon Avenue. The first floor is burnt to a crisp. There was also some damage to the row home connected to the left.
Officials said they knocked down some flames and reached three people who were unresponsive inside — two women and a young girl, about 3 to 5 years old. Two were on the first floor; officials said they may have been trying to escape.
All three were taken to the hospital. According to police officials, one of the women died. Authorities said the child is in serious condition. The second woman’s condition is unknown.
Executive Fire Chief Daniel McCarty said there were no working smoke alarms in the house.
“What does that sound do? It wakes us up when danger is there,” he said. “[We’re] utilizing mornings like this to reiterate the safety message to make sure you have a plan.”
Anyone who needs a smoke alarm in Philly can reach out to 311, and the fire department will install it for free.
Investigators on the scene were looking at what appeared to be a burned e-bike or scooter, and the hazmat team responded. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
