A fire broke out in a West Philly apartment building Sunday night leaving over 100 residents looking for places to stay. Police say no one was hurt from the fire and now repair efforts are underway. NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle has more.
Over 100 residents have been displaced after a fire at an apartment building in West Philadelphia Sunday afternoon.
At 4:38 p.m., police said they were called to an apartment building along the 4900 block Spruce Street for a report of people trapped in a fire.
The fire took place at the Terrace Apartments at 4931 Spruce Street.
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The source of the fire was determined to have started in one of the apartments, according to the police.
"Man, I’m just glad that they came here on time, got the people out," Maurice Merry, a resident at the building, said. "I smelled it, I told my wife ‘something ain’t right.' Then when I looked out the window and see down here, I seen a lot of smoke. I was just like ‘yo, everybody gotta relocate. Everybody gotta relocate.'"
The building was cleared, and no one was injured, police said.
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“I didn’t think it would be an entire apartment on fire. I thought it would just be like, uh, more of a fire than usual. But it really only got bad until I got here and saw what was going on," Alex Jefrey, a displaced resident said.
The Red Cross was notified and displaced residents have access to the Beulah Baptist Church at 5001 Spruce Street and the Christy Recreation Center at 728 S 55th Street, officials said.
The Salvation Army is also helping residents with clothing, food and water.
Residents weren't immediately allowed back in the building after the fire was put out.
"I mean, we’re just hoping to get inside by tonight. We’re hoping the inspectors come in," Jefrey said.
As of Monday morning, residents whose units weren't apparently damaged said they remained out of their homes.
NBC10 has left a message with building management seeking comment.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier who represents this community, issued a statement following the fire.
"My heart breaks for the West Philadelphians who have been displaced from their homes," Gauthier said.
“I was on the scene with first responders yesterday. My office also activated our fire response protocol and has been working with PFD, OEM, and the Red Cross to ensure residents have a safe place to stay and the resources they need to navigate this destabilizing experience."
If you need a place to stay, information or services, visit the temporary shelter at West Philly High or you can contact the Red Cross at 215-299-4000 or councilmember Gauthier's office at 215-472-2419.
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