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A fire tore through at least one building in Philadelphia's Chinatown neighborhood early Tuesday sending thick smoke over Center City for hours.
The blaze began just before 2 a.m. Tuesday in a building with an orange awning that houses apartments and businesses along 10th Street near and Race Street, Philadelphia firefighters said.
Firefighters from a neighboring firehouse were on the scene within seconds, Philadelphia Fire Capt. Derek Bowmer said.
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People were evacuated from at least five units but no injuries were reported, firefighters said.
Neighbors shouted "fire" and knocked on doors to make sure people get out.
"Somebody came knocking on our door at 2 in the morning, we didn't know what it was at first" Jonathan Williams, who lives in a neighboring building said.
"I just knew something was not right, so I just bolted with our cat," Kathy Nguyen said.
The fire expanded to two alarms as firefighters pulled back due to partial collapse and fear of further collapse, Bowmer said. The tight streets added to the challenges of the firefight.
Flames could still be seen after 5 a.m. Fire alarms could be heard coming from nearby homes as the smoke wafted from the blaze. People roused by the fire fled their homes without shoes and at least one in a robe.
The fire was finally considered contained around 6:15 a.m., firefighters said. But, smoke continued to rise from the structure.
Vivi Bubble Tea and Lucky Market were among the businesses near the fire.
Expect traffic troubles in the area of 10th and Race as firefighters continued to douse hotspots throughout the morning.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation Tuesday morning.
