Fire heavily damages Bridget Foy's restaurant on South Street

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The fire at Bridget Foy's restaurant on South Street started around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday and was still burning hours later.

The Philadelphia Fire Department says it remains a two-alarm fire, calling for more than 100 firefighters to battle its flames.

The restaurant, located at South Street and 2 nd Street, has been in business for 39 years.

Its flames flooded the neighborhood with heavy, thick smoke at the height of the fire, displacing 11 people from nearby properties.

Fire officials say the fire quickly escalated after crews arrived on scene and a second alarm was sounded just after 2 a.m. Firefighters had to take an exterior attack while fighting the blaze.

According to the fire department, the blaze broke out somewhere on the first floor of the restaurant. Firefighters continue to work to extinguish the fire.

Michael Harris, Executive Director of the South Street Headhouse District, released the following statement Wednesday morning:

"Our hearts go out to John, Bernadette, Bridget, Paul and the entire Foy family. Bridget Foy's has been the cornerstone of South Street for 40 years and a vital part of our colorful and vibrant South Street story - and an important part of Philadelphia's history. Families from around the city, region and country have come through Foy's doors to find a wonderfully warm welcome and exceptional hospitality from this beloved family (and their staff). Foy's is a special tradition for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and so many other special occasions.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.