Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard

Man, 59, dies trying to put out fire in N. Phila.

A 59-year-old man died this morning while trying to put out a fire in his rowhouse in North Philadelphia, officials say.

Family and friends gather outside the house fire that took the life of an elderly man on Tuesday morning. The fatal fire was reported at 4:40 a.m. and firefighters, who arrived within minutes, found heavy fire on the first floor and heavy smoke throughout the house on the 600 block of Elkins Avenue on Olney. (Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer)
Family and friends gather outside the house fire that took the life of an elderly man on Tuesday morning. The fatal fire was reported at 4:40 a.m. and firefighters, who arrived within minutes, found heavy fire on the first floor and heavy smoke throughout the house on the 600 block of Elkins Avenue on Olney. (Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer)Read more

A 59-year-old man died this morning while trying to put out a fire in his rowhouse in North Philadelphia, officials say.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said in an interview that Tyron Gamble and his two adult sons were awakened by a smoke detector after the blaze broke out in the home on the 600 block of Elkins Avenue on Olney.

One son made it to the roof, where he was rescued by firefighters, while the other tried to help Gamble put out the fire, Ayers said.

"He made it out but the dad didn't," said Ayers. "It's a sad thing."

The fire was reported at 4:40 a.m. and firefighters, who arrived within minutes, found heavy fire on the first floor and heavy smoke throughout, the commissioner said.

The blaze was declared under control at 4:56 a.m.

Firefighters found Gamble's body in the front living room, where the blaze broke out, Ayers said.

Gamble's wife was at work at the time.

Ayers said that while the smoke detector was working, it was not properly positioned, which would have allowed it to sound earlier.

The commissioner said even if the smoke detector had sounded earlier, Gamble should not have not attempted to put out the blaze.

"That's our age old message," Ayers said. "Get out first.

He said the fire highlighted the need for residents to establish and practice fire escape plans.

Anyone needing a smoke detector can call 311, Ayers said. Information about placing smoke detectors or developing a family escape plan can be found at www.freedomfromfire.com