Massive Building Fire, Smoke-Filled Skies Plague Philadelphia Neighborhood

PHILADELPHIA — A massive fire broke out Friday at a large building in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, filling the skies with smoke.

A garage fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. near E Street and Kensington Avenue. It was already raging when firefighters arrived, officials said.

It was placed under control at 7:29 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department. But firefighters remained on-scene for hours extinguishing its remains as smoke continued to travel through the area.

No injuries have been reported.

Nearby properties were evacuated, according to NBC10. Emergency officials have urged everyone nearby to keep their windows closed because of the smoke.

Late Friday morning, firefighters were spraying water from cherry pickers and inside the damaged building. Smoke remained heavy at times and could be smelled from blocks away.

The fire destroyed the roof of the facility. It wasn't immediately clear whether any other buildings were damaged.

It's unknown whether anyone was inside the building when the fire started, since it was well-involved by the time first responders arrived, according to a Philadelphia Fire Department spokesperson.

The building was described as a warehouse in previous reports. But its primary purpose and current use is unclear.

The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.