Dozens of people were displaced as fire tore through Northeast Philadelphia apartment building late Thursday night.
The fire -- which would spread to four alarms -- broke out around 9:25 p.m. on July 11, 2024, at a Rhawnhurst apartment building along Roosevelt Boulevard, near Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said at the scene early Friday morning.
"Upon arrival, companies found heavy smoke conditions emanating from the fourth floor," Thompson said.
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Firefighters rushed into the building -- known as 7400 Roosevelt Apartments -- to battle the flames and make sure everyone was out of the building, Thompson said.
At first, residents didn't believe a fire was happening as smoke alarms blared.
"Usually we always have fire drills. We thought it was a fire drill, but when my mom opened the door, the smoke was already coming in so I grabbed my son off the bed, grabbed my daughter and no shoes on, no nothing and ran out the house," resident Nakeira Rosser said. Five minutes later, flames everywhere. Our apartment was right below the apartment that was on fire. So, everything is gone, totally destroyed."
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The firefighters quickly had to evacuate the building due to the heavy flames, the fire commissioner said.
Over the next hour or so the fire continued to expand, leading to a fourth alarm being declared, Thompson said.
The fire was finally placed under control around midnight. It took about 140 firefighters using nearly 60 pieces of equipment to bring the raging flames under control, Thompson said.
Three people suffered minor injuries, Thompson said.
About 50 to 60 people were displaced from their homes, officials said.
"Never in my life, never seen something like this, you know, been a part of it," displaced resident Barry Jackson said. "Really bad for those who are going to lose their livelihoods."
About 42 of the displaced residents were being given assistance and shelter by the American Red Cross at nearby Samuel Fels High School, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania spokesperson Alana Mauger said.
"Along with our community partners, we're providing a safe place to rest, food, comfort items and emotional support," Mauger said.
Residents say they were told by property management that hotel vouchers would be available through the Red Cross, but that turned out not to be the case.
Some are now hoping to stay at other apartment buildings under the same management company.
The CEO of Lindy Communities told NBC10 that they are working to offer that relocation option saying, "That's the goal."
The cause of the fire remained under investigation into Friday morning.
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