|
At 2207 in humid conditions, Box 19 was transmitted for 722 Chestnut Street, police were on location reporting a working 2nd floor fire in a vacant. With E3 & L1 on an AFA, E1-E5-E13-T1-L3-R1-M601-E9 Safety- & Car 5 responded on the Box, E1 reported smoke showing on arrival. Fire was visible inside from the rear & forced entry was used in both the rear and front of the building, a large 3 story end of row formerly the Tunnel Nightclub. Lines were stretched from E13 in the rear & E1 in the front, the Tower went into aerial operations on Lemon Street. The fire was found in the first floor ceiling with extension through the 2nd floor flooring and was contained to those areas with the rest of the building heavily charged with smoke. FM10 was called to the scene to investigate.
With the fire just placed under control, Box 425 was struck for 9th & Washington at 2247, police were on the scene once again reporting heavy fire, an explosion, victims, and possible entrapment. E3-E11-E14-L1-& M601 responded with Car 9 who was called in to run the city for the initial fire. Car 9 arrived on the scene to find the former Esposito's Italian Restaurant now Sunny's Steaks & Fries fully involved with serious structural damage. A severely burned victim was found outside City Hall a half block away & possible entrapment was still being reported. E9-Car5- & FM10 quickly cleared from Chestnut Street with Car 9 reporting extension along 9th Street to another 3 story business, the Island Paradise. Car 23 was called in for Chestnut Street which appeared to be electrical in nature.
At 2255 2nd Alarm on Box 425 was transmitted bringing E13 & T1 from the previous fire & M602. E13 left its hose in the street & T1 left some equipment behind as conditions escalated at 9th & Washington.
M601 quickly attended to the burn victim and recruited a police officer to drive the medic unit to RHMC with other units committed on the scene and entrapment unconfirmed. The victim was burned over 50% of his body. He was intubated at RHMC and flown to Crozer Burn Center in critical condition.
Reserve E12 & E8 were put into service with E12 responding to the fire scene along with Cars 3-4-6 & 8, Car 7 covered the rest of the city. The Spring Township Rehab Unit was also special called to the scene on a sweltering night. The city building inspector was also called to the scene with the Mayor.
Numerous handlines, deck guns, and master streams were in operation for over an hour before the fire was placed under control with no further victims or injuries reported. Crews started clearing after 2am with everyone back after 4am.
FM10 is investigating the 9th & Washington Street fire and its reported the ATF was brought in as there was a report of an explosion with obvious structural damage, and also a report of possible arson. Thanks to Tracy L. for sending us these pictures.
|
