On Monday, Feb. 3 2003 at 00:20 hrs box 534 was struck in the City of Philadelphia. The address of fire was 2400 Grays Ferry Ave. B/C-1 arrived on scene of a vacant 4 story stone commercial building, 75x300, with heavy smoke showing from the rear.
Chief ordered all companies in service with heaviest water lines. Command reported building was a vacant naval hospital, and the property was surrounded by a large wall and the entrances were blocked by iron gates.
The second alarm was struck for heavy fire in the attic and roof area spread toward the B sector. Due to the location and the lack of accessibility of the building crews had to hand stretch large diameter hose to the building.
The third, fourth, and fifth alarm were requested, along with special call for Squrts and Snorkels. Command reported bulk of the fire contained to the roof area of the building, multiple deck guns and ladder pipes in service.
