Fire at Center City high-rise displaces dozens

A smoky one-alarm fire Monday forced the evacuation of scores of residents from a Center City high-rise apartment building in the 200 block of South 13th Street, authorities said.

Firefighters received the call at 3:30 p.m. and found smoke coming from the ninth floor. The blaze was declared under control within about ten minutes, fire officials said. No injuries were reported and no information on the cause of the blaze was available.

At least 54 residents were displaced and checked in Monday night at a shelter supported by the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania at Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St.

"The residents are having food prepared by our partners at the Salvation Army at this time and have been provided cots, blankets, pillows and comfort items for the evening," said Sara Smith, a Red Cross spokesperson. "In the morning, Red Cross workers will provide breakfast."

Smith said three cats affected by the incident were being cared for by the Red Cross' partner, Red Paw. - Edward Colimore