Posted on 28 January 2022 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Walnut Street West Library, one of the oldest Free Library of Philadelphia branches, has reopened its doors to the public after last week’s fire in an electrical transformer located under the sidewalk on 40th Street, in front of the library.
“Walnut West [head] librarian Bruce [Siebers] arrived at work early last Thursday morning, January 20, before anyone else. When he turned on the lights, they flickered, then suddenly there was a WHOOSH and black smoke billowed into the rooms,” writes Alice Wells, a member of volunteer group The Friends of Walnut West Library. “He ran outside – smoke was visible from the street too. In moments the block was filled with fire trucks, police cars, an ambulance and PECO and PGW trucks.” Continue Reading
Posted on 29 September 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Philadelphia authorities have been investigating a series of suspicious fires in West Philadelphia that occurred since the beginning of June and have made an arrest in connection to at least two fires. A 25-year-old man was arrested last week on the suspicion of igniting a September 12th rubbish fire and a September 18th house fire that injured two people and caused substantial property damage, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
The Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force operating under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been investigating the following additional fires, all incendiary in nature, that may be linked to the suspect: Continue Reading
Posted on 29 December 2017 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Fire crews battled a two-alarm fire on the 4900 block of Chestnut Street on Friday morning. The fire broke out shortly after 11 a.m. on the second floor of a two-story row house at 4937 Chestnut St. The fire was brought under control at around 12:30 p.m.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, according to reports.
A SEPTA bus has been positioned at 50th and Chestnut to provide relief to anyone displaced by the fire and for the fire crews working in frigid conditions.
Posted on 30 August 2017 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Many homes in Spruce Hill and Cedar Park lost power last night, beginning shortly before 7 p.m. Power at some homes was restored about 40 minutes later, while other buildings were without much longer.
A fire broke out on the top of a utility pole near 47th and Cedar, according to a reader report.
“After the PECO guy was done extinguishing the fire, the fire dept turned their hose on it for a while. They managed to fix the pole and restore the power well before morning, which was nice,” writes Jen, who took the photo above.
No injuries were reported.
Posted on 12 July 2017 by Mike Lyons
Baltimore Ave fire site Wednesday afternoon (Photo West Philly Local).
Emergency responders have a fire at 52nd and Baltimore under control. The fire was reported at a donut shop and Million Dollars store near 52nd and Baltimore shortly after 8 a.m. The 34 trolley was operating with shuttle buses.
Posted on 14 December 2016 by WestPhillyLocal.com
A fire broke out early Wednesday afternoon underground, reportedly after a gas leak, near 49th and Windsor and caused evacuations of nearby homes, according to neighbor and media reports. The fire was seen coming out of a manhole and reaching as high as six feet. Firefighters responded to the scene, and shuttle buses replaced trolleys due to the fire.
UPDATE: Two SEPTA workers were hospitalized with 1st and 2nd degree burns following the fire, according to reports.
SEPTA and PGW were doing some work in the area this morning, according to neighbor reports, but it’s not clear whether the fire was caused by this. The Philadelphia Fire Department is investigating the cause of the gas leak.
Walnut Street West Library, one of the oldest Free Library of Philadelphia branches, has reopened its doors to the public after last week’s fire in an electrical transformer located under the sidewalk on 40th Street, in front of the library.
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