Philadelphia firefighters spent Wednesday hustling from one side of the city to the other, knocking down a string of blazes that left more than 10 people without a place to stay. Crews battled a house fire in Crescentville and two separate fires in Kensington, then shared photos from the scenes and a reminder that the department will help residents with free smoke-alarm installations if they call 311.
Firefighters Hit Crescentville And Kensington Back To Back
In a Facebook update, the Philadelphia Fire Department said members responded Wednesday to a house fire in Crescentville along with two separate incidents in Kensington, and posted a series of photos from each scene. According to the department, the fires displaced more than 10 people, and crews remain on standby to help affected families. The post did not immediately include information on what caused the fires or whether anyone was injured.
Free Smoke Alarms, Installed By The City
The department used the post as another chance to remind residents that it will install smoke alarms at no cost and that anyone who needs one can call 311 to request service, per the City of Philadelphia. The program typically covers owner-occupied one- and two-family homes, and officials caution that it can take several weeks before installers arrive.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the city has already put in thousands of alarms in recent years while working through a sizable backlog of requests, a sign that plenty of Philadelphians are taking the department up on the offer.
Kensington’s Winter Of Fires
Kensington has been hit especially hard this winter, including a rowhome fire earlier this month that spread to five properties and injured a firefighter, according to NBC10. City leaders have repeatedly warned that missing or nonworking smoke detectors are a major factor in deadly home fires, and officials have urged residents to keep alarms in good shape and to call 311 for help after a fire, as CBS Philadelphia has reported.
Residents displaced by fires can turn to the American Red Cross and city partners for shelter and assistance, and neighbors are encouraged to check in on one another after a blaze. For help with smoke alarms or a home fire-safety visit, call 311 or head to the city’s fire-prevention page for details.
