I was walking around Goldmanville this morning when I noticed that the area around 12th and Chestnut was cordoned off and there were fire engines about. My natural curiosity took over and I went to get a closer look. The White Building (the building Goldman is renovating at 12th and Chestnut where "Nailtica" is) had apparently caught on fire and there was a distinct smell of ash in the air. All the windows on the top 2 floors had been smashed out.

From the outside it didn't appear the damage was severe. Perhaps the fire was contained by the Fire Department decided to smash out the windows as a precausion in case any weakened panes later fell onto the sidewalk.

Nevertheless, it's discouraging since this will set back progress and the building will probably be boarded up for the near future. I remember when there was a small fire in the building that houses Maxx's Produce on 20th when they had just finished renovating the building. The upper floor remained boared up for months.

Here's a site with some pics of the White Building fire. Apparently it went to three alarms and occurred in the early morning hours.

http://www.phillyfirenews.com/incidents.asp?s=pa#4100

That is a really great site! I live around Engine 10/Ladder11 and I know I'm always wondering where the sirens are headed - especially when I hear a decent number of them. Fire fighters have always impressed me and I have a lot of appreciation for what they do.

The web site is really informative. Thanks!

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Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.-- S. R. Barr

I agree. Its very impressive. I wouldn't be surprised if both the police department and the fire department monitor this PhillyBlog site to find out what is happening in Philadelphia .........

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I woke up to the sound of windows being smashed. I can only guess they do it so they on't fall out later on someone's head. they speculated it was an electrical fire. not a good sign for east chestnut....esp if he waits for reimbursement from the insurance co. maybe he'll step up development at another proeprty? the bouncers at TPDS said the fire hadn't started yet when they left at 3:30 am. saw the contractors sitting around this morning kind of wondering what came next.

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I didn't know you'd already moved in. How many people are living there now.

I don't live in the white bldg but nearby as a renter. I'm still out in Manrox but my gf lives there already.

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I think they do it to keep them from exploding out on the people below and causing unpredictable drafts and flare-ups while they're fighting the blaze.

Windows are taken out on the upper floors in order to vent the heat and smoke from the fire building.

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that makes sense since they knocked them out after teh fire was put out. they have a low noise, disaster recovery system pumping out particles right now. looks expensive.

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"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"