Demolition crews wasted no time getting to work on Monday morning, tearing down the two Frankford buildings that were ravaged by a massive fire on Friday, Sept. 13.
The intense four-alarm blaze erupted in two commercial structures on the 1200 block of Adams Avenue around 5:30 a.m. Promptly, approximately 150 firefighters, along with a collapse unit, rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control by 8:45 a.m. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported as the buildings were unoccupied at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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As of Monday, eight buildings still remain inaccessible, while demolition work has already commenced on the two affected commercial properties, as per a report by 6ABC.
Following the fire, displaced residents found temporary shelter at a Red Cross facility set up at Samuel Fels High School. However, the shelter closed at noon on Saturday. During the fire, around 30 to 40 individuals were unable to return to their homes, while others were advised to remain indoors with windows shut.
The 4-alarm fire on Adams Avenue in Frankford has been placed under control. OEM emergency response staff remains on scene for unmet needs and interagency coordination with partners. Road closures remain in place around the fire ground. Use caution traveling. pic.twitter.com/wifw7He7ed
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) September 13, 2024
According to authorities, the fire escalated rapidly, reaching the first alarm by 5:31 a.m., the second by 5:42 a.m., the third by 5:58 a.m., and finally, the fourth at 6:26 a.m., where it remained until the firefighters managed to bring it under control, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The primary building housed an auto body shop, and the fire quickly spread to several vehicles, resulting in explosion sounds. Smoke from the fire was visible from miles away.