Philadelphia

Flames Destroy South Philadelphia Apartment Building, Leave Firefighter Hurt

Fire erupted in a South Philadelphia apartment building overnight, engulfing the building and leaving a firefighter injured.

Officials said firefighters responded to the building, on Broad Street near Wharton, shortly before 1 a.m. and struck a second alarm shortly after 1 a.m. when flames became heavy on the four-story building's upstairs floors.

Residents evacuated the building, and officials reported no injuries. One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and possible hyperthermia as a result of the heat and went to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for treatment. That firefighter is expected to be OK.

Firefighters put the blaze under control in about two hours.

Police said Broad Street will likely stay closed between Federal and Dickinson streets until 8 a.m. as the fire remains under investigation. The cause is not yet known.

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