An overnight fire claimed the life of a man in West Philadelphia.
The fire started on the first floor of a home on the 4900 block of Brown Street. Flames then spread to a neighboring house.
Rescue crews were unable to reach the man in time to save him.
Firefighters say they were met with a lot of combustible material.
"We found everything, you name it – books, I could see bicycles, I mean just general things, a VCR still in the box, things like that," Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said. "It was typical of a person that needed some other city services."
Neighbors of the man feel as though they have lost a family member. This is the second fire death this year.
Two families, eight people in total, were forced from their homes because of the fire. The Red Cross is helping them by providing financial assistance.
The home where the fire started was not equipped with smoke detectors.
Today at 3 p.m., the Red Cross, together with the Philadelphia Fire Department will conduct a fire safety walk through the surrounding neighborhood and pass out a "Home Fire Safety Check List" in the hopes of preventing future fire injuries and deaths.
Anyone who does not have a smoke alarm and cannot afford one should call 311 for help obtaining one.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
