FIREHOUSE FIRE NEAR PHILADELPHIA MINT

Flames engulfed a Philadelphia firehouse after an ambulance parked inside the garage ignited.

The ambulance caught fire inside Ladder 2 at 4th and Arch Streets in the Old City section of the city around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, fire officials say.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said that firefighters and fire trucks were out on a training exercise when the blaze broke out. Once they returned, officials say the crews were able to douse the flames in 10 minutes.

Witnesses caught explosions coming from inside the firehouse as the blaze burned on cell phone video.

"I looked down and I seen smoke coming out of the firehouse, which is kind of odd because usually, you know, they're going to the fire, not the other way around," Ted Gutkowski said.

The firehouse, which was also home to Engine 8, was destroyed by the fire. The fire company is better known as the "Ben Franklin" house due to its placement in historic Philadelphia.

While firefighters were able to knock down the flames shortly after arriving back to the firehouse.

To read the complete article, see: Philly Firehouse Catches Fire After Ambulance Ignites (www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Firehouse-Fire-Old-City-225517712.html)

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