Massive Protest in SW Philly: Where Were The Firefighters?

6500 block of Gesner Street Photo Cred: Islamic Voice

When I saw a news clip about the fire on the 6500 block of Gesner Street in Southwest Philadelphia that occurred this past weekend, I had to hold back tears. On July 5, 2014, early Sunday morning, eight row homes caught fire and were destroyed. Unfortunately there were 4 fatalities.The children identified were Marie and Mariah Bowah, twin 4-year-old girls; Patrick Sanyee, 4; and Taj Jacque, who was only 6 weeks old
(NY Times).

Protestors outside of Engine 40&Ladder 4 Firehouse Photo Cred: NBC10

Certainly the families of the children and neighbors in the Liberian community are experiencing a lot of pain and grief. NBC 10, reports that on Monday night hundreds of people protested outside of Engine 40 & Ladder 4 firehouse on 6438 Woodland Avenue. There were some arrests made and one woman was hospitalized due to a seizure. Protestors believe that the fire fighters didn’t respond quickly enough. They say the firefighters took over 30 minutes to respond and the fire station is only a few hundred yards away.

The Inquirer states that the “Fire Department records indicate that (the original) 911 call was transferred to the department's call center at 2:45:01 a.m. Forty-three seconds later, the call was entered into the system as a rubbish fire by a call-taker and sent to a dispatcher.” According to CBS Philly, once the firefighters close by learned that the fire was more serious, they were on the scene within three minutes. “Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison says they’ll meet with community leaders to share the response timeline.” Also those dispatched tapes will be released to the public.


Residents gather outside of home Photo cred: Akira Suwa/The Philadelphia Inquirer

I know this community is hurting and we need to help them out. If you’ll like to donate to these families who were affected, you can donate items to Connell Park community center located on 65^th and Elmwood. Christ International Baptist Church is also accepting donations; they are located on the corner of 65^th and Gesner. In addition, you can make contributions and donations to The Red Cross and continue to keep these families in prayer as well.