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Fire at American Legion post remains under investigation

Published  May 31, 2016 7:51am EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) Firefighters have placed a fire at the American Legion Post 396 under control.

The fire broke out on the 2300 block of Orthodox Street in the city's Bridesburg section around 3 p.m. Monday and reached 4-alarms. The blaze was placed under control around 4:30 p.m.

It had been serving as an American Legion post for decades. Neighbors say the building hosted an event earlier in the day.

More than a hundred firefighters battled the blaze and spent the night putting out hotspots. Members say the loss is heartbreaking.

"You have no idea. The things that were inside there. The uniforms from the men and women that served in our armed forces for many, many years. And the pictures. And the medals," said member Mary Ellen Foley. "There's things that just can't be replaced."

One firefighter was hospitalized, but is okay. The fire marshal and ATF are now investigating. No word at this time on what caused the blaze.