Fumes from chemical spill led to evacuation at West Mount Airy apartment

Several residents have been displaced after fumes from a chemical spill led to a hazmat response and an evacuation on Thursday, according to a spokesperson with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Firefighters were called to the Emlen Arms apartment building on the 6700 block of Emlen Street in West Mount Airy just before 5 p.m. on Nov. 20 after there was a report of a chemical spill on the ninth floor, officials said.

Hazmat teams responded after fumes were reportedly coming from a substance of some kind in the area, officials explained.

This led to four residents being displaced from their homes, fire officials said. The residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

Emergency responders helped two people at the scene, including a firefighter and a resident, before they were taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment, officials said.

According to the fire department, the apartment is owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority.