Ambulance Catches Fire

An ambulance is normally helping out in an emergency not the focus of an emergency.

But, that’s exactly what happened overnight when an ambulance burst into flames in Center City Philadelphia.

Two EMTs noticed flames coming from the engine of the ambulance just before 11:30 p.m. as they drove near 8th and Vine Streets, according to firefighters on the scene.

There was no patient in the vehicle but there were plenty of expensive items in the private ambulance. The quick-thinking emergency responders pulled over and quickly saved medicine and medical equipment from the rear of the ambulance as the fire spread from the hood into the vehicle.

The fire caused oxygen tanks to explode but luckily no one was hurt, firefighters said.

Firefighters responded to the scene and were able to put out the flames.

The exact cause of the fire wasn't clear.