Dec. 07--A Philadelphia Housing Authority high-rise in North Philadelphia was evacuated Friday night as flames roared through the 16th floor, authorities said. No injuries were reported.
The fire at the 18-story Fairhill Apartments, 2443 N. 11th St., was reported about 8:50, authorities said.
The Red Cross said it was helping more than 100 people from at least 160 units. There was no word on when they would be able to return.
By 10 p.m., the fire had been knocked down and the last few residents were being taken from the building.
Many residents sought shelter from the rain and cold in the lobby and community room of a neighboring tower at 2411 N. 11th.
Katrina Carter, 25, who lives on the ninth floor, said the fire alarm sounded and then, within a few minutes, "the Fire Department came and banged on the door and told us to get out."
Carter said that she was watching TV with her grandmother and that her three boys were in bed when they were forced to leave the building. She said the evacuation was fast and orderly. The only damage she saw, she said, was from water pouring down the emergency stairwell.
Officials said that power was shut off in the building and that a water pipe had burst.
A reception center for displaced residents was set up at deBurgos School, 401 W. Lehigh Ave.
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