5:15 p.m.: We have put several calls into the fire department to clarify the number of people taken to the hospital. They have not returned phone calls. The building has been boarded up and a restoration crew is on site to assess the damages.
9:45 a.m.: Firefighters have brought the fire under control. They are not yet speculating on a cause. The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that two people have been hospitalized.
The fire was reported at 7:38 a.m. and the fire department declared it under control by 8:07. The building provided transition living services for people with disabilities.
8:14: A multi-alarm fire has engulfed a single story building at 4536 Spruce St. Thick smoke was pouring out of the windows and some of the residents of the building, which is run by Transition to Independent Living Inc., were being carried out on stretchers. We’re still trying to get better idea if anyone is seriously injured.
May 8th, 2011 at 8:56 am
We were recently in Philadelphia during the last week helping someone to move into this area. Many years ago, I use to work in surgery and we would use a compound know as ethyl ether to prep. I noticed that when walking along the transitional building on the 45th street side starting at the corner of the building on 45th street and walking towards Spruce Street, I could smell this compound ethyl ether. Ethyl ether has a very potent smell and is very flammable.
I would feel better if someone from the Philadelphia fire department would take some time to further investigate this smell and to determine it’s possible specific location. This is the first time I have every been in this area.
December 28th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
I was the Officer in charge of the 1st in Engine company, E.5, from 43rd & Market Sts. The assignment came in as a local (Alarm System). Assignment upgraded while we were enroute. Heavy fire was showing when we turned the corner. Familiarity with the building layout allowed us to mount an aggressive interior attack while rescues were being effected. 4 civilians were rescued from the interior of the building and the fire was confined and extinguished by some good hard work. A job well done by all.