Firefighters are now in the cleanup stages after a large fire ripped through a building that housed props for the Fralinger String Band.
The props were to be used in the upcoming New Years Day Mummers Parade.
The two-story building is located on the 1300 block of 2 Street and is used as an auto garage and as a storage unit.
Members of the Fralinger String Band tell FOX 29's Dave Kinchen as much as $40,000 worth of props and other equipment was inside.
Firefighters fought the fire from the ground and the air, as a hose attached to a large ladder overhead sprayed flames tearing through the roof.
At one point, a wall on one side of the building collapsed as firefighters worked to get the fire under control.
Although emergency officials evacuated homes in the immediate area, firefighters at the scene tell FOX 29 the fire spread to one home and destroyed it.
One person, an elderly woman, was injured during the fire. Firefighters say she was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
Fire investigators remained at the scene Monday night but a cause of the fire is not yet known.
On the Fralinger String Band Website Monday night, a message read "A tragic fire struck the South Philadelphia facility where the Fralinger String Band has been building and storing its props for their performance in the upcoming New Year's Day Mummers Parade."
The organization says prop building began months ago and took hundreds of hours to put together.
The Fralinger band was founded in 1915, according to the organization, and is one of the oldest and winningest bands in Mummers history.
Members say they may get to see the inside of the building by Tuesday at the earliest. Despite the damage, they say they will still participate in the parade.
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania says it's offering help to six families from five homes impacted by the fire.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Thursday, June 20 2013 5:46 AM EDT2013-06-20 09:46:20 GMT
Another spectacular weather day with mostly sunny skies and low humidity. Temperatures top off in the lower 80s. About ten degrees cooler at the shore, with a sea breeze.
The stickies will come back just in time for summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Fire crews battle the fire overhead at a large garage on the 1300 block of South 2nd Street in South Philadelphia.
Heavy smoke could be seen throughout South Philly as firefighters worked to put out the 4-alarm fire Monday.
