Man Dies In West Philadelphia Arson Fire
By Alex Lloyd Gross
August 27, 2023
A Philadelphia Police Officer was on patrol yesterday morning in west Philadelphia, near 54th and Vine Streets, when they were flagged down by a bystander, informing them of a fire on the 5400 block of Vine Street. When the fire department was called, they found a twin dwelling with heavy fire from the first floor.
They went in service and the fire quickly spread to the top two floors. Additional engines and ladders were called along with rehab trucks so first responders could rest. Reports were two males got out of the fire but a third male did not. When the fire department did their overhaul of the dwelling they found the body of a 66 year old black male was found in the structure, on the first floor, officials said.
The fire marshal declared this fire and arson. They are looking into the possibility that someone threatened to burn the house down, reports said. The identity of the male has not been released. The fire left the house uninhabitable, officials said..