Fire!

Last Saturday an old apartment complex in Philadelphia burned to the ground. Luckily the fire occurred in the afternoon, so everyone got out safely and there were no deaths nor injuries. (see news article below the photos for more info)

Two of our missionaries, Elders Wankier and Thompson, lived in this apartment complex. They were out doing missionary work at the time of the fire. They lost everything -- other than the clothing they were wearing and the items in their backpacks.

Yesterday I took them shopping -- The Men's Wearhouse for new suits, white shirts, ties, shoes, sweaters and socks. And a sports store for exercise shoes, workout gear and a sweatshirt. They are living temporarily with a couple other missionaries who have extra space in their apartment.



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Posted on Sat, Jan. 10, 2009

Multi-alarm blaze in West Oak Lane

A fast-spreading fire in a West Oak Lane apartment complex went to seven alarms early this afternoon without being contained. No injuries were reported.

The blaze, at Broad Street and Grange Avenue, began in a basement of one of the four buildings about 11:30 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

By noon the fire spread to other floors and other buildings. Firefighters and rescue workers evacuated residents to the nearby 35th Police Distinct headquarters.

A warehouse next to the complex later became involved. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.