9 firefighters hurt in floor collapse during 2-alarm Philadelphia rowhome fire

9 firefighters hurt in Wynnefield fire: Everything we know

Nine firefighters were injured and several families displaced after a fast-moving fire in Wynnefield, with four firefighters still hospitalized, but expected to recover.

PHILADELPHIA - Nine firefighters were hurt when a floor partially collapsed as crews battled a fast-moving fire on Hazelhurst Avenue in the Wynnefield neighborhood late Monday night. Four firefighters are still in the hospital, but officials say they are expected to be okay. 

The fire also displaced several families after spreading to two other homes.

Firefighters injured in floor collapse during house fire

What we know:

Firefighters responded to a call on the 5300 block of Hazelhurst Avenue just after 10:00 p.m. Monday. 

As crews worked to control the two-alarm fire, a floor inside one of the homes partially collapsed, trapping and injuring several firefighters, according to Deputy Fire Commissioner Joshua McGuoirk.

Nine firefighters were taken to nearby hospitals. Five have already been treated and released, while four remain hospitalized. 

Officials say all are expected to recover.

Neighbors described hearing loud noises and seeing flames shoot into the sky. 

"I heard something cracking and breaking and I thought what is that noise. And I came to the door and all I can see was fire up in the sky. And I was like oh my god it’s a fire so I called 911," said Rosa Tunkara, a neighbor.

The fire spread quickly from the original home to two others, displacing multiple families. 

Doorbell camera video captured the flames as they moved from house to house.

The backstory:

Relatives of one resident, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran named Robert, said he has been in the hospital since January after a stroke and now has lost everything in the fire. 

"He called this morning and we were going to get some of this things and go and visit him. Now I got to go tell him not only I can’t get your things but you can’t return here anyway," said Denise Sloane, his cousin.

Fire officials credit training and discipline for preventing a greater tragedy. 

"The discipline of the firefighters that were on location in order to remain calm and do their job and to search for those firefighters we had a very successful outcome," said McGuoirk.

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire. Several families are now displaced, and the community is assessing the damage.

Local perspective:

Neighbors and relatives watched as the fire spread rapidly, forcing families from their homes. 

Shocked residents described the chaos and loss, while fire officials highlighted the importance of training in responding to dangerous situations.

The fire left a visible mark on the block, with three homes damaged and families now seeking help and support.

What we don't know:

The total number of families displaced and the full extent of the damage are still being assessed.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.