2 unaccounted for as firefighters battle large fire in Philadelphia rowhome: sources

EAST MOUNT AIRY - Philadelphia firefighters were on the scene of a two-alarm rowhome fire in Germantown Thursday night. Smoke could be seen billowing profusely from the 3-story structure, while crews attempted to contain the large fire.

What we know:

Fire crews were called to the 500 block of East Brinton Street, in Philly’s Germantown neighborhood, Thursday evening, around 5 p.m., on the report of a rowhome fire.

A second alarm was quickly struck as firefighters worked to tamp down the fire.

A huge plume of smoke continued to pour from the roof of the home while crews worked.

Officials said at least 110 firefighters were on the scene of the fire at one point in the evening.

The fire was declared under control a little after 8 p.m.

Firefighters say the home is too dangerous to enter, at risk of collapsing.

What we don't know:

There was no word if anyone was in the home when it caught fire and there were no details of any injuries resulting from the fire.

Sources indicated two people were unaccounted for, but there has been no confirmation of that by officials. Family members indicated a 62-year-old man and his long-time girlfriend, also in her 60s, were said to have lived on the third-floor of the residence.

Regarding whether anyone was in the home, Acting Executive Chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department, Daniel McCarty said, "We have different reports, but as we were initially in and realized that the stability of the building, we pulled our rescuers out, as you can see. There are partial collapsed to the residence behind me. So, at this point, we can’t confirm. We do have different stories from neighbors, but we can’t confirm, at this point."

The Philadelphia Fire Marshall will be on the scene, along with L&I, Friday morning to attempt an investigation into the property.