PHILADELPHIA, PA – A series of fires that broke out in rowhouses in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood early Friday morning claimed the life of a woman. A man has also been taken into custody, said local officials.
Authorities are investigating the fire as a potential case of arson. The flames began around 4:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of East Russell Street, rapidly spreading to multiple houses.
Upon arrival, fire crews discovered the body of a 60-year-old woman inside one of the residences. Police declared her dead at the scene.
Reports from the site described water-filled streets and smoldering homes, indicating a prolonged firefight. Resident Carlos Rivera and his family were among the ones who escaped the inferno unscathed. On the other hand, a video taken at the scene vividly depicts people desperately calling out for their loved ones as flames shoot out of the buildings.
The Philadelphia Fire Department confirmed that they believe the fire originated from 1547 East Russell before it spread along the nearby porches. About 80 emergency personnel, encompassing firefighters, medics, supervising officers, and support staff, undertook rescue operations and eventually put out the fire after an hour.
Around three properties were damaged, displacing more than a dozen residents. The identities of the deceased woman and the man taken into custody have yet to be disclosed.