July 13, 2016
We’re sad to report that Robyn Biv, co-owner of Black Orchid Foods (Facebook page), the West Philly vegetarian and vegan catering service, was recently hurt in a house fire.
A fire erupted in her home near 51st and Kingsessing that destroyed her kitchen – where her business is based. Robyn suffered burns and was hospitalized. She has made a huge impact on the Kingsessing area by feeding many people for free or using a “sliding scale” with dietary restrictions always in mind. Some of you may have also tried the food served by Black Orchid at the most recent edition of Go West! Craft Fest.
While Robyn is recovering in the hospital from burns to her face, eyes, arms and hands, her friends set up a GoFundMe page to help her with some expenses.
Please follow this link if you would like to donate and support Robyn with your messages: https://www.gofundme.com/2dw1lek
June 12, 2016
A three-alarm fire displaced over 100 people from the Netherlands apartment building at 44th and Chestnut, according to reports. The fire broke out on the 4th floor of the building at around 5 a.m. on Sunday. No injuries have been reported.
The Red Cross and the City Office of Emergency Management have set up a reception center at 4209 Spruce St.:
A shelter for the displaced residents has been set up at the Cato School on the 4200 block of Ludlow Street, according to 6ABC.
May 7, 2016
UPDATE (May 8, 2016): Police say 59-year-old Calvin White died in the fire. Our deepest condolences to Mr. White’s family and friends.
One person died and one person was injured after a morning fire on the 4700 block of Hazel Avenue. The blaze broke out at about 7:35 a.m. on the first floor of the three-story twin building at 4714 Hazel Ave.
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer told 6ABC that a man died trying to put out the fire, reportedly with a fire extinguisher.
Eight people escaped the blaze thanks to a fire alarm in the building. One of them, a 64-year-old man, was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with injuries and was listed in stable condition.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire marshal noted no suspicious circumstances, according to a police report.
January 14, 2016
Protestors took to the streets in the days following the devastating 2011 fire at Windermere Court Apartments. Photos by West Philly Local).
Five years after a catastrophic fire destroyed the Windermere Court Apartments at 48th and Walnut, building tenants who participated in a class-action lawsuit have received their share of a $4.75 million settlement.
The fire that broke out on Jan. 10, 2011 destroyed the 90-unit building and left its residents scrambling for housing. Many spent days protesting the building owner’s decision not to let them return to retrieve their belongings and pets that may have survived the blaze.
The cause of the fire is disputed. An expert determined on behalf of the tenants during a 2013 civil trial that the fire resulted from faulty smoke alarms and sprinklers. The building owners – David, Sam and Aron Ginsberg – settled the suit a few days into the 2014 trial for $4.75 million and the settlement was certified last January.
The tenants’ class-action attorney, Tom Marrone, said that the payouts were completed this week. Each tenant who signed onto the suit received an average of $25,000 after legal and other fees.
September 17, 2015
While many were out and about this evening enjoying the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, a blown transformer caused a fire near 46th and Hazel, according to various reports. The fire was reported shortly before 8 p.m.:
One witness said that the fire engulfed a car parked nearby. We’re trying to get more details.
July 21, 2015
UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): The fire is under control. No one was injured, according to a paramedic on the scene.
UPDATE (6:30 p.m.): The fire broke out at a row home on the south side of the 4800 block of Walnut St. shortly after 6 p.m. Fire crews are on the scene.
6:20 p.m.: West Philly Local readers are reporting a fire near 48th and Locust/Walnut. Stay tuned as we’re trying to get more information.
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