Northeast Philadelphia 4-Alarm Fire

October 18^th, 2024

On Friday, September 13^th, rescuers responded to a 4-alarm fire in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood in the early morning. Flames engulfed the commercial four-story building on Adams Avenue around 5:30 a.m. The Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner stated firefighters faced challenges accessing water and maneuvering through the small streets. The proximity of the building to Frankford Creek was also an issue, as workers could not access the creek side. The firefighters battled the blaze for hours, involving over 140 personnel and 57 fire apparatuses.  

The fire affected at least two commercial buildings, including an auto shop with several vehicles inside, and spread embers to neighboring homes. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Residents did report hearing explosions and popping noises from the burning cars. As a precaution, homes evacuated due to the smoke, lack of electricity, and burning embers. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the local high school. By 9 a.m., the fire was under control but had already affected over 40 residents who fled to the shelter that morning. The electric utility, PECO, reported that almost 1,000 customers lost power due to the fire. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. They do not believe the affected buildings had automatic sprinklers installed.

Risk Logic offers property loss prevention inspections to help keep commercial buildings and businesses safe from fires like this. RLI's experienced engineers can inspect buildings of any size and provide a report tailored to your business's needs. Routine inspections can help ensure the company's safety and protect against damage and financial loss. Our comprehensive reports and recommendations focus on minimizing fire risks. Contact us to schedule an inspection and receive personalized guidance to keep your business safe.