Two firefighters hurt when ladder touches wire

Two firefighters were injured Monday when their ladder touched high-voltage power lines at the scene of a North Philadelphia blaze.

Both men were awake, alert, and talking after the incident, according to Fire Department officials.

Firefighter Robert Taylor of Ladder Company 14, a 14-year veteran, was admitted to the Temple University Hospital burn unit for treatment. A hospital spokesman said Taylor was in fair condition Monday evening.

Firefighter Eugene Coulter, also of Ladder 14 and a nine-year veteran, sustained minor injuries. He was treated at Temple.

The fire broke out in a white stone rowhouse on the 2400 block of West Norris Street. Firefighters were called at 9:31 a.m. and arrived three minutes later to find light smoke coming from the second floor. The fire was under control at 9:38, according to Capt. William Dixon.

At 10 a.m., as members of Ladder 14 took down a portable ladder, the ladder hit the power lines in front of the building.

"It was a freak accident," said Rodney Whetstone, 45, who lives nearby. "They hit that wire - bam."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.