Fire, ambulance and police raced to the Barclay Square Apartments in Upper Darby about 8:15 p.m. on Thursday for a fire.
There was little to be seen on arrival at 1600 Garrett Road, but soon flames were found in a bedroom in a second-floor flat, and within a couple minutes flames were shooting from a window of the apartment, according to Delaware County fire radio.
Police officers went into the building and were told by police command to pair up if they were going to the second floor or higher as officers began to evacuate the building.
By 8:30 lines had been charged and crews got water on the fire, soon saying they had a “knock.”
An inspection of the second floor showed there was no sign of smoke or fire in adjoining flats, and no damage in the apartment above the flat that was on fire.
However, ventilation was needed. The incident was placed under control at 8:56.
The building was evacuated but it was unclear where the residents were sent on the cold night.
The situation was still unfolding shortly before 9 p.m. and official details would likely not be available for hours.