It was an old warehouse that had been abandoned for years. West Kensington, PA neighbors called it a haven for squatters and drug dealers.

A 7-alarm fire obliterated it.

Now, it is learned it was owned by a city agency that owed $325,000 in back taxes and interest.

The flames erupted just before 4 this morning in the former textile warehouse at H Street and East Westmoreland. The fire brought down the roof of the five-story structure.

200 firefighters did battle with the blaze, and one of them was taken to the hospital. He's in stable condition.

8 nearby homes across H Street on Potter were engulfed by the flames. Seven were destroyed and over 100 people had to evacuate the area.

It was a difficult fire for firefighters. They had to bring in over 50 pieces of equipment. The fire jumped the street and began attacking homes across the street from the warehouse. That meant firefighters had to protect the nearby homes while fighting the inferno.

Over 27 families have been severely affected.

The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter down the street from the blaze. Residents whose homes were destroyed are being provided shelter at the Red Cross House in University City.

PECO says that at one point more than 450 customers were without power, and that number has since been cut in half. Most of the power is expected to be restored by late tonight. Some customers along H Street and Westmoreland could be without power for a day or so.

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