An elderly woman was killed, two people were hurt, 23 people were displaced and a man is in custody after a possible arson fire spread to multiple homes in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood early Friday morning, police said.
The fire started at a home along the 1800 block of East Russell Street around 4:30 a.m. Friday and spread to four other homes on both sides of it, according to investigators.
Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and found multiple people on the roofs of the homes. Firefighters were able to rescue the residents and bring the flames under control.
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Firefighters then went inside the initial home that caught fire and found the body of an elderly woman on the second floor, according to Philadelphia Assistant Fire Chief Charles Walker.
The woman has been identified as 66-year-old Evelyn Payne, according to Philadelphia police.
Walker told NBC10 at least two other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries and at least 23 people were displaced. Those displaced residents are being assisted by the Red Cross and Salvation Army. An NBC10 photojournalist who responded to the scene also spotted a child being placed on a stretcher.
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"Our hearts go out to the Kensington community after this morning’s tragic home fire on the 1800 block of E. Russell St. The American Red Cross is helping 6 families – 23 people total – who are displaced by the fire. We will continue to offer support in the coming days and weeks," said Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager for American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Walker said Payne was the only person they found inside the initial home that caught fire but they're unsure how many people lived inside the house. He also said they didn't find any working smoke alarms inside the property.
"It's very important to have a smoke alarm," Walker said. "A smoke alarm, especially in this hour in the morning, becomes your first alert mechanism. Most people aren’t up at this hour. No one can call for you or make the call so having that alarm in your home is important and make sure it’s working. Make sure your batteries are working."
Walker also reminded Philadelphia residents to call 311 if they don't have a smoke alarm or know how to install one.
"We come right out. We install them. We put them up. We assist you with them," Walker said. "There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have one at this point in time.”
“At this point we don’t know anything about what actually started the fire," Walker said. "The fire marshal is on the scene. They’ll be conducting a lengthy investigation so residents can expect to see the fire department’s presence in the neighborhood for the next few days or so.”
Police said Shadeek McDowell, 38, was arrested in connection to the fire and has been charged with murder, arson, assault and other related charges.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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