High-Rise Blaze Sends Families Out Into Night

A trash incinerator is likely to blame for a fire that forced dozens of families out of their West Philadelphia high-rise overnight.

The flames broke out around midnight inside the middle building of the Westpark Apartments at 300 W Busti Street.

The building quickly filled with smoke as residents rushed out of the 19-story building as fire alarms went off.

"You could hardly see down the hallway -- it was really smoky," said resident Barry Hyman. "I put my shirt over my mouth, hit the stairwell and boogied on down."

One person was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and another was taken to the hospital for an asthma attack, according to firefighters.

After about one hour, firefighters had the blaze under control.

Though the Philadelphia Fire Department didn’t release an official cause, firefighters on scene said that the fire appeared to have started inside a fire incinerator in the basement. Smoke then rose up and spread into hallways because of open trash chute doors.

The building caters to families and features units ranging from one to four bedrooms, according to the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

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