Updated: Five-alarm fire in Burholme 3
Photo courtesy of CBS3.
UPDATE - The fire was caused by a candle, according to a report from the Inquirer.
A five-alarm fire broke out early yesterday morning in a Burholme apartment complex, leaving several people injured, and forcing many more out of their homes.
The fire began shortly after 4:30 Sunday morning, and although the fire department was on the scene in just minutes, the Austin Manor apartments at 7024 Rising Sun Ave. were already engulfed in flames. Residents of the building’s 41 units were evacuated, and those with injuries transported to area hospitals. Those unable to exit safely chose to jump from windows.
The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at Northeast High School for displaced residents. Some residents suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation, while others are in critical condition with severe burns.
Fire inspectors have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, but a five-alarm fire, which was sparked by a candle, destroyed the same building in Oct. 2001.
Action News has video from the scene.
Small correction: The fire in 2001 destroyed the other apartment building in the complex, which was then rebuilt. This fire destroyed the second building, which hadn’t been rebuilt (so no fire safety upgrades like they put in the new building, from what I’ve heard.)
tlp, thanks for the correction. We had a tough time finding the original story from ’01. Thanks for keeping us honest.
Wow…I’m not far from these apartments and must of slept right through it. Is anyone taking donations for the victims of the fire? It’s a sin regardless and even worst right around the holidays!