Published on March 3 | Updated on March 6
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A row home fire in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia injured nine firefighters and left multiple people displaced overnight.
The fire broke out around 10:15 p.m. Monday on Hazelhurst Street, near 54th and Ruby streets. The flames have since been extinguished.
The flames spread from one house to another, damaging four in all. The Philadelphia Fire Department said crews knocked down "the main body" of the fire in one of the properties, and the second floor collapsed onto the first floor. Several firefighters became trapped under heavy debris.
It turned into a rescue operation at the same time as crews battled the flames and dealt with smoke. Officials said they were able to get all of the firefighters out and get them to the hospital for evaluation.
Five firefighters were treated and released. On Friday, officials said all injured firefighters are at home and on the road to recovery.
Mike Bresnan, president of the firefighters union, said the injuries included burns, an electrical shock, and a broken leg, ankle and ribs. One firefighter had to be intubated.
In a statement, the fire department said this was a "near-miss event."
"Given the severity of the collapse and the conditions on scene, the outcome could have been far more tragic," the statement reads. "The actions of our fire and EMS personnel — who operated under the threat of secondary collapse and active fire conditions — were extraordinary. Their professionalism and commitment to one another prevented what could have been an unimaginable loss."
The Red Cross is also helping nine people from two families who were displaced. No residents were hurt.
The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
The fire department said it is grateful for the massive outpour of love and support.
