12-15-07 - 1836 Green Street Fatal Dwelling

A box was transmitted in Philadelphia at 1836 Green Street for a reported fire at a boarding home around 4 am in the Fairmount section of the city.Battalion 3 arrived and reported a building 16x45 with heavy fire showing.  Battalion 3 struck the all hands as he confirmed people trapped. Companies arrived and went in operation with multiple hand lines as the Truck Companies laddered the building.  Crews rescued 3 occupants from the dwelling.  2 occupants were in critical condition and one was pounced.Police and Fire Marshals investigated the fire and declared it as an arson fire. Police made one arrest of a 24 year old male responsible for setting the fire.The dwelling housed approx 12 occupants who were in their 50’s- 60’s and mentally and physically handicapped.

12-2-07 Allegheny and Sedgley - M.V.A with fire and amputation

 Medic 25 and the Engine Company were dispatched to Allegheny and Sedgley for a M.V.A shortly after midnight in North Philadelphia.  Crews arrived to find a telephone pole severely damaged with the vehicle off the roadway.  Medic 25 made pt. contact to find 3 occupants injured and one severely trapped.  The trapped occupant had critical burns from the vehicle on fire from the crash.Police stated the vehicle smashed through the telephone pole, rolled over and caught fire.  Deputy 2 and Rescue 1 were added to the box as crews went in to operation with the tools to free the occupant.  The Temple surgical team was special called to the scene to amputate the leg of the trapped occupant.  All 3 occupants involved in the crash were transported to Temple Medical Center.  Police stated the driver was charged with drunk driving after receiving minor injuries.  The other occupant who was able to escape also sustained minor injuries.  The trapped occupant who had his leg amputated received severe burns from the fire. 

11-11-07 Almond Street- Sheep Chase

Around 6 a.m the Philadelphia Police Department received an unusual call for a pubic assist.  A sheep was spotted walking down the City Streets.  Police located the sheep on Almond Street and proceeded to attempt and capture it.The Sheep led Police on a chase on foot as well as in vehicles down several streets.  Police corned the animal several times only to have it find a way out.  The sheep was finally captured unharmed.  At the time of incident Police were unaware of where the sheep came from. 

11-11-07 09 Maple Ave - Fatal Dwelling Fire

Shortly past midnight a box was transmitted for a fire in an apartment at 609 Maple Ave.  Engine 58 arrived and reported nothing showing.  Crews reported the fire was extinguished in the kitchen area.  Engine 58 also reported one D.O.A in the same area.The fire was placed under control 2 minutes after arrival.  The fire did not spread beyond the kitchen.  Fire Deputy reported the male had severe burns to his entire body.The cause of the Fire is under investigation by the Philadelphia Fire Department.

10-27-07 3rd- Allegheny - Fatal M.V.A

A M.V.A with entrapment was dispatched at 3^rd and Allegheny around 2 a.m. on a rainy night.  First arriving units found a 1 vehicle accident with heavy front end damage with 2 occupants trapped.  Rescue 1 was dispatched to the scene.Companies worked on location for an extensive extrication.  The passenger was treated and transported to Temple Hospital by Medics.  The driver was pronounced D.O.A. on scene.  The vehicle struck the construction site barrier head on.  No other vehicles were involved in the crash.  The Philadelphia Police Department have the crash under investigation. 

10-17-07 Collins- Huntingdon St. - Building

A Philadelphia Tactical box was dispatched to Collins and Huntingdon St. for a reported building fire.Battalion 10 arrived and reported a 15x45 vacant building with heavy fire showing from the 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  Battalion 10 directed all companies to use to in operation with exterior attack operations.  Crews went in operation with master streams to knock the bulk of the fire down.  Crews then went in to open up and check for extension.  The fire was placed under control around the 30 minute mark.  No injuries were reported on the fire ground.

10/14/07 2400 E. Butler St.- 2nd Alarm Warehouse

At 4 p.m., a Tactical Box was dispatched at 2400 E. Butler Street for a building fire.  Pipeline 28 arrived and confirmed a working fire.  Battalion 10 arrived and reported a warehouse 100x200 fully involved.  The 2^nd alarm was sounded. Crews went in operation with multiple Ladder Pipes, Deck Guns and 2 1/2’s.  Due to the extensive fire conditions, the smoke could be seen from across the river in New Jersey.  The Pennsauken Fire Department in Camden County NJ was dispatched for smoke investigations.  No injuries were reported on the fire ground.

10/13/07 Front - Lehigh St. - M.V.A

At  415 am, a Philadelphia units were alerted of a serious M.V.A at Front and Lehigh Streets.  First arriving units found a 2 car M.V.A with heavy damage.  The vehicles collided head on sending one out of control and came to a stop half way down the block.  Additional Medics were called to the scene for a total of 3 victims being injured.  All 3 victims were transported to a near by hospital.The Philadelphia Police Department are investigating the cause of the crash.

9-22-07 B Street- Cambria Street - 3rd Alarm Building Fire

A Tactical Box was dispatched in Philadelphia at B and Cambria St.’s.  Engine 25 arrived on location and reported a 5 story warehouse with heavy fire showing.  Battalion 10 arrived and struck the 2^nd alarm.  Companies secured water supply and set up for master stream operations.  The 3^rd Alarm was sounded during the job to bring in additional manpower. The fire was placed under control without any injuries.  Firefighters were in defensive operations only due to the warehouse being vacant and the fire load.  The warehouse is the site of a previous multi alarm fire.

9-8-07 900 blk of S. 13th St- Dwelling

 Units were dispatched for a tactical box for the 900 block of S. 13^th Street on September 8, 2007 around 4:30 am.  Battalion 1 arrived and reported a 3 story dwelling with heavy fire showing from all 3 floors.  Battalion 1 reported crews would be operating with exterior attack only.  Crews went in operation with multiple 2 ½” hand lines.  Crews knocked the bulk of the fire down and went in to hit the hot spots and open up.  At 5:05 am Battalion 1 placed the fire under control.  No injuries were reported on the fire ground.

8-18-07 6730 Bustleton Ave- Building

Tactical box 6722 was dispatched at 10:31 p.m at 6730 Bustleton Ave.  First arriving units found heavy fire conditions from a 2 story 15x35 store in the middle of a row.  Crews led off with a 1 ¾” hand line.Command arrived and confirmed a working fire and made several special calls.  Also added to the box was Rescue 1 and Squad 72.Crews made an aggressive interior attack to knock the fire down without extension.  The fire was placed under control around the 30 minute mark.  No injuries were reported on the fire ground.

6-20-07 Westmoreland St- H St.- 7th Alarm Building

On Wednesday June 20, 2007 at 3:45 hours, calls were received through communications reporting a fire at a warehouse on Westmoreland Street in the Kensington section on Philadelphia.  One neighbor reported he was awaken when he smelled smoke coming in his window.  He looked out his window to see the warehouse full of fire and called 911.Tactical Box 5337 was dispatched to H Street and Westmoreland.  Engine 25 arrived and reported heavy fire on all three floors, requesting the 2^nd alarm.  Battalion 10 arrived a reported a 3 story, ordinary, vacant warehouse fully involved.  The blaze quickly escalated to a 3^rd alarm.  At 4 A.M the Battalion requested a 4^th alarm due to the fire jumping the street with multiple dwellings on fire.  The 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th alarms were requested as well.  175 firefighters were on scene with 50 pieces of apparatus to fight the blaze.  The building had been vacant for 5 years as neighbors complained to the City the structure must come down.  Neighbors were worried about the warehouse going up in flames and their houses were in jeopardy due to the close proximity to the building.  Neighbors also stated there was extensive drug use by squatters taking place in the building.  The Fire Department was called to the building multiple times within the last couple years for small fires in the building.One man was rescued from the 2^nd floor of the building during the fire.  He was reported to be a 38 year old male that was transported to an area hospital.Eight homes were involved in the blaze on H Street and Potter St.  Approx. 100 people were evacuated from the area.  A total of 27 families were affected by the fire.  Hundreds were left without power during the time of the blaze.  The blaze was declared under control around 6 am.  Firefighters remained on location for over 24 hours hitting hot spots in the building.  One firefighter was transported to the hospital.  His conditions were reported to be non serious. 

6-11-07 1700 block of N. 3rd Street - Dwelling

On Monday morning at 230 a Tactical Box was transmitted for the 1700 block of N. 3^rd Street for a reported dwelling fire.  Command arrived and reported a 3 story end of the row dwelling with heavy fire throughout.  Crews led off with multiple master streams from the exterior to knock down the blaze.  The dwelling was reported to be vacant.  No injuries were reported. 

6-10-07 4540 Mitchell St- Dwelling (1 civilian burned)

 Crews were dispatched to 4540 Mitchell St. for a reported dwelling fire at 10:15 hours.  Upon arrival, crews reported a 3 story 18x45 dwelling, with medium smoke on the 2^nd floor.  Crews went in operation and reported fire in the kitchen area on the 2^nd floor.  One Medic unit was called to the scene for a civilian with burns.  The fire was quickly contained and placed under control.   

6-10-07 54th St. - Chester - 4th Alarm Building

Minutes past 7 am on Sunday June 10, 2007, Philadelphia units were dispatched to 54^th Street and Chester for a dwelling fire.  Units arrived and reported a 2 story taxpayer with heavy fire showing from the Dollarway and the apartments above.  Command also reported the exposure being a Supermarket was also in danger.  The 2^nd alarm was transmitted shortly after arrival.  Command requested 2 additional Pipelines.  One to be positioned in the Division A and the other in Division C.Command reported water supply problems and access to the building being limited.  Command also reported at this time crews were setting master streams up to be placed in operation.  The 3^rd alarm was sounded approx 45 minutes into the job. A 4^th alarm was also requested minutes later.  Command reported there were still heavy fire conditions present in the original fire building.  The fire displaced 16 residents and took over 100 firefighters to battle the blaze.   The supermarket sustained some damage as well as the other exposures.  The fire is under investigation by the Philadelphia Fire Department at this time.

6-3-07 54th St. - Walnut - Fatal M.V.A

At 130 am, Fire units were dispatched for an M.V.A at 54 and Walnut.  Command arrived and reported a one vehicle accident with severe damage and one pt. in serious condition requesting a medic.  The vehicle took the turn, struck a pole, and came to rest after crashing into a wall.  Fire crews operated on scene awaiting arrival of medics.  One medics arrived they pronounced the pt. D.O.A.  No other vehicles were involved in the fatal crash.  Philadelphia Police are investigating the cause of the crash. 

5-5-07 58th St. - Cedar - 3rd Alarm Dwelling

A tactical box was dispatched at 58 Street and Cedar for a dwelling fire.  Dispatch reported Police were on location with 3 dwelling on fire. Battalion 7 arrived and reported 3 dwelling had heavy fire with extension to the exposures.  The 2^nd alarm was sounded on arrival. Master streams were set up on the original fire buildings as crews went to the roof.  Command reported the original fire buildings were fully involved and had fire in 14 dwellings that were 3 story 18x45.Crews went defensive as the fire ran the roof line down the row.  Additional Ladders and Battalions were called and placed in operation.  At the 1 hour 20 minute mark Deputy 2 reported the bulk of the fire was knocked down as crews were checking for extension No firefighter injuries were reported on the fireground.

3-13-07 3467 Joyce Street - All Hands Dwelling

At 12 p.m. on March 13, 2007,  tactical box 3467 was transmitted in the City of Philadelphia for a reported dwelling fire at 3467 Joyce Street.  Battalion 10 arrived and reported a 2 story middle of the row, 15x35 with fire showing and reported he would be using all hands.  Rescue 1 and Ladder 15 as the RIT team were added to the box. Around the 15 minute mark, Battalion 10 reported the bulk of the fire knocked down and placed the fire under control.  Primary and secondary searches were negative.  No firefighter injuries were reported on the fire ground.    

3-8-07 728 S. 19th Street- Fatal Dwelling (FF's injured)

At 13:45 hours, Box 855 was transmitted in the City of Philadelphia for a dwelling fire at 728 S. 19^th Street.  Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions from a 3 story middle of the row dwelling.  Companies stretched line and went to work.Command struck the all hands with several special calls.Approx 30 minutes into the job the 2^nd alarm was transmitted as fire conditions worsened as fire had extended into both exposures.  Crews reported the fire possibly flashed over in the original fire building as crews faces heavy fire conditions on all three floors.  The RIT team was activated as several firefighters were reported down.The 3^rd alarm was transmitted around the 1 hour mark bringing in additional crews.  Additional Medic Units were dispatched to the scene for several firefighters with smoke inhalation and one with burns.  One firefighter was transported to Jefferson Hospital for smoke inhalation.  The other was transported to HUP Trauma for smoke inhalation and burns.  Both firefighters are listed in stable condition.  The bulk of the fire was knocked down at 14:49 hours and placed under control at 15:23.  Command reported one victim, DOA located on the first floor of the original fire building.  Neighbors described the dwelling as a frequent drug house. 

3-7-07 4509 Gratz St.- All Hands Dwelling

On February 7, 2007, Box 1815 wad dispatched for a reported dwelling fire at 4509 Gratz Street in Philadelphia at 01:20 hours.A full box assignment was dispatched as multiple calls were being received.  Ladder 18 arrived and confirmed fire showing.  Battalion 19 arrived and reported a 2 story middle of the row, 15x35.  Command placed 2 and 2 in service.The all hands was sounded bringing in additional crews as the fire was running the porch approx 5 dwellings.  Crews faced water problems as hydrants in the area were frozen.  Crews battled heavy fire conditions in the original fire building.  Command placed the fire under control 34 minutes into the job.  No injuries were reported.

 3-6-07 5324 Kershaw Street - All Hands Dwelling 2 FF's Injured

A box was dispatched in Philadelphia for a dwelling at 5324 Kershaw Street on March 6, 2007 at 8:45. Battalion 11 arrived and reported a 2 story middle of the row, with heavy smoke showing.  Command reported he would be putting 2 and 2 to work. The All Hands box was struck as a firefighters were reported down inside the dwelling.  The RIT team was placed in service. Command reported heavy fire in the basement and rear of the dwelling extending.  2 Medic Units and an additional RIT  were dispatched as wellMinutes later the RIT team retrieved the 2 injured firefighters and both were transported to HUP Trauma. 2 additional Engine Companies were assigned to the box as crews placed 5 1.75” handlines in operation.  Command reported the fire had extended to both exposures. Both Firefighters were from Engine Company 16 and were transported to the Trauma Unit after a report of a flashover occuring.  Both injuries were reported to be a Class 2 trauma. The fire was placed under control around the 40 minute mark. 

2-14-07 149 N. 57th Street (Photos by Rich Moulder)

Triple Fatal Dwelling.  Children unatended playing with matches is believed to be the cause for the blaze which started on the first floor.

2-12-07  2045 Stenton St.- Vehicle vs. House - 1 Trapped

  Fire, EMS and Police units were called to the intersection of 21^st and Stenton for a reported vehicle into a house at 1250 hours on February 12, 2007.  Battalion 2 arrived and reported a vehicle completely inside a house with the driver heavily trapped at 2045 Stenton Street.  Squad 72 and Engine 51 went in operation with the tools to stabilize the vehicle and extricate the trapped victim.  Engine 29 was special called as well as the Collapse Rescue Unit. The victim was extricated around the 15 minute mark.  Medic 10 transported the injured victim to Einstein Hospital.  It was reported the driver had suffered a seizure which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway, hit a small hill on the side of the dwelling.  The vehicle then became air born and crashed into the dwelling.The occupants were home at the time of crash but were not in that section of the house and were not injured.  The home owners described the crash as an explosion with glass flying.  The homeowners also reported they did not have insurance on their property. 

2-12-07 1909 Ingersoll Street- Fatal Dwelling

At 5:15 hours Philadelphia Firefighters were dispatched to the 1900 block of Ingersoll St. for a reported dwelling fire with people trapped on February 12, 2007. Battalion 3 arrived and reported a 2 story middle of the row dwelling with heavy fire showing from the 2^nd floor at 1909 Ingersoll Street.  The first arriving Engine went in operation with a 1.75” hanline as the Ladder Company went in operation with searches.  Rit 3 was added to the box.  The all hands was sounded as all companies went to work.  3 additional Medic Units were added as well. Firefighters made 4 rescues of occupants still inside the house.  A total of 12 occupants lived in the dwelling, 8 were home at the time of the blaze and 4 made it out without injury.  All 4 rescued occupants were in serious condition.  The 74 year old female was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.   The two male handicapped occupants were transported and listed in critical condition.  The other female was transported and listed in serious condition.  The fire was placed under control approx 17 minutes after being reported.  The Philadelphia Fire Department stated the house had illegal wiring throughout.  Neighbors stated the electrical service had been shut off for some time, and the family was doing what they could to stay warm.   Firefighters described the interior as a maze of electrical cords and space heaters.  A power line had been strung from a house next door.   The Fire Department also stated there was a smoke detector in the dwelling, but it was not equipped with a battery.  The fire is under investigation by the Philadelphia Fire Department but stated it was most likely electrical.  There have been a total of 16 fire deaths in the City of Philadelphia for the year 2007. 

1-27-07 210 S. 41st Street - All Hands Dwelling with special calls

Units were dispatched to 210 South 41st Street for a dwelling fire around 6:45 am on January 17, 2007.Upon arrival crews found heavy fire conditions in the attic area of the 3 story twin wood frame dwelling.Crews went in operation with a 1.75” handline with a backup line following behind.Battalion 11 requested an additional 2 Engines and 2 Ladders to the scene due to heavy fire conditions.Primary and secondary searches were negative. Four handlines were placed in operation to control the blaze.The fire is under investigation.

Pictures of Engine 73's Firehouse Fire     January 2007 (Photos by Steve)

12-8-06 2019 S Juniper Street Tactical Box- Building

Tactical box 849 was transmitted around 11am on December 8, 2006 for 2019 S. Juniper Street.  Engine 49 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the 2^nd floor.  Battalion 1 arrived and confirmed heavy fire and smoke showing from the 2^nd floor of a 40x65 occupied building. 

Medics tended to multiple patients who suffered from smoke inhalation that were in the building at the time of the blaze.  Crews made an aggressive interior attack on the blaze before retreating due to heavy fire conditions.The blaze broke the roof line and was fueled by high winds.  Crews set up master streams and battled the blaze for hours. No firefighter injuries were reported. 

9-8-06  Philadelphia - 3rd St. - Plaque Dedication

Philadelphia,PA- a Plaque ceremony was held on September 8, 2006 on the 400 block of N. 3rd Street to honor Capt. James H. Meskill who lost his life in the line of duty.

On July 24, 1953, at 2:21 AM, Box 431 was pulled signaling a fire in the vicinity of 3rd and Noble Streets.  Upon arrival companies found the vacent building located at 472-74.  North 3rd St. to be on fire with heavy smoke conditions.  Companies went into service and battles the one alarm blaze.  Captains James Meskill, Relief Officer of the 4th Battalion, and at the time working at Engine 21, was overcome by smoke and removed to the pavement.  He was given oxygen but did not respond.  James was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at 5:25 AM.  The press of the time does not make much mention of Captain Meskill's death at the scene of a seeming routine fire, and there is only a short mention of it in the Philadelphia Fire Department's official history.  James father was Acting Chief Engineer John J. Meskill, who was appointed in 1886 and who served until his retirement in 1916. James daughter Mayris was one of the first beneficiaries of the Hero Scholarship Fund.  Her son, Andrew Wells, is a Captain with the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in California.  James brother John Meskill worked for the Fire Insurance Patrol and his other brother Joseph F. Meskill served the Philadelphia Fire Department as a Battalion Chief.  Joseph went on to have three sons: James E. Meskil, who served the Department until 1990 when he retired at the rank of Deputy Chief.  John R Meskill, who served with the Department until 1992 when he was too retired at the rank of Deputy Chief and Joseph Meskill who did not join the fire service.Today two of Acting Chief Engineer Meskill's great-grandsons are with the Department: Captain Mike Meskill of Engine 27 and Lt. Dave Meskill of Engine 52.

Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to the Meskill family.  The plaque is located in the sidewalk infront of where  the building stood.  Sylvester Stallone was one of the guest speakers present at the ceremony. 

All information about the life of Meskill was provided by the Philadelphia Fire Department. 

2-25-06  101 E. Cheltan Ave - 3rd alarm building fire (Pictures and Story by Greg Taylor)

Just before lunchtime on Saturday February 25^th 2006 Philadelphia Firefighters were dispatched to 101 East Cheltan Avenue for a reported fire in a church fire.  First due Engine Co. 19 and Ladder Co. 8 reported heavy smoke and fire from the 3^rd and 4^th floors of a 4 story brick building.  Arriving units were advised to proceed in and go in service with there heaviest water lines.  D/C 2 requested the 2^nd and following that the 3^rd alarm struck.  Heavy fire was evident within and out the 3^rd and 4^th floors for sometime.  Companies used multiple portable stang guns and ladder pipes.  There was a collapse within the structure from the roof down to the 3^rd floor.  All companies had already been taken out of the building at that time.  Many occupants were displaced due to the fire.  The fire was originated in a rescue home called Whosoever Gospel Mission and Rescue Home.  Unknown cause of the fire at this time and no reported injuries at the scene.