'It's too much': Philadelphia fire officials frustrated with number of severe, fatal fires in the city
SKYFOX over the scene of the deadly fatal January fire in Fairmount that claimed the lives of 12 people, including eight children.
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia fire officials say they are frustrated with the number of severe and fatal fires happening across the city.
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel expressed his frustration at a press conference detailing a fatal fire that took the lives of four, including three children, on Sunday afternoon.
"Right now we are frustrated and we are mourning," he said as he explained the residence had no working smoke detectors.
Thiel says before Sunday's fire, there were 17 fatal fires in 2022 so far, including the fatal Fairmount fire that claimed the life of 12 people, including eight children.
Additionally, since January 1, 38 people were injured in fire-related incidents and more than 312 families were displaced, Thiel said.
"It's just too much" Thiel said as he explained how firefighters are frustrated.
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner gives update on fatal Kensington fire, advocates for better fire safety practices
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel gives an update on the fatal fire that killed four in Kensington on Sunday morning. He also expresses frustration with the number of severe and fatal fires the city has experienced since January 1.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES
- Woman, 19, shot in the back and killed in Frankford, officials say
- Man hospitalized after he was hit by SEPTA train, falls onto platform at 2nd St Station
- Police: East Germantown stabbing victim found with knife in their head; 29-year-old arrested
He's also encouraging everyone to make sure their smoke detectors are working properly and be aware of safety tips that can save their lives in case of an emergency.
"The best fire is the one that never starts," he said.
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and at the top of open stairways
- Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries twice a year
- Plan and review home escape routes with your family and practice getting out of each room
- Check to make sure windows aren't nailed or painted shut or have security guards that could prevent you from getting out
- Put fire extinguishers in your home and teach family members how to use them
- Close you're bedroom door at night to lessen the effects of toxic smoke and heat
- Make sure your home is insured or get renter's insurance if you are a tenant
You can request a smoke alarm through Philly311 and the Fire Department will come install one in your home.
To qualify, you must live in a one or two-family home occupied by the owner. If you live in an apartment building or are renting, the landlord must provide smoke alarms on every level of the home, according to the City of Philadelphia.
If your landlord has not provided smoke alarms, call Philly311 to report a code violation.