It took 150 years, but Philly’s fire dept. now has a Black woman battalion chief
Mt. Airy native Lisa Forrest is also a mom and community leader. “Keys to the city, baby,” said a cousin. “She’s just getting started.”
Posts tagged with Philadelphia Fire Department
Philly EMS calls drop 10% during coronavirus lockdown
People may be trying harder than usual to avoid the hospital.
South Philly rowhome blaze is the city’s sixth big fire this year
The city's old infrastructure is ripe for disaster.
Local news in your inbox
Stay abreast of the latest happenings in Philly neighborhoods, politics, culture and everything else with our free morning newsletter.
This site runs on reader support
Billy Penn is powered by our members. If our stories make you feel more connected to Philadelphia, will you chip in?
Hey there, valued reader
“I read you daily, so you deserve my support.” — Judith W., Billy Penn newsletter subscriber
If you value our updates, be like Judith and become a member today.
Powered by you
Reader support powers our coronavirus reporting. A monthly membership helps lock it in.
Can we count on you as a Billy Penn sustainer?
Thanks for supporting Billy Penn!
Test your local knowledge — join us for the next Philly Quizzo virtual event, or take the quiz online.
Are fireworks legal in Philadelphia? It’s still up in the air
...but good luck finding a place to set them off.
Philly’s new EMS overdose team is unlike any in the nation
Will the model work? Stakeholders are hopeful.
Who’s Next First Responders: 13 young leaders on Philly’s front lines
When emergency strikes, they go above and beyond.
Nominate someone for Billy Penn Who’s Next: First Responders
We’re looking for people under the age of 40 who go above and beyond when emergency strikes.
Philly paramedics treated more overdoses last year — but used less Narcan
With so many people carrying the overdose antidote, first responders are no longer the first to save lives.
This torched van got a parking ticket because the PPA is ridiculous
A fire-ravaged van in West Philly still managed to rack up a violation.
Outdated code means July came and went without Philly deciding if fireworks are legal
Three weeks after Independence Day, the city still can't say whether you're officially allowed to set off bottle rockets.
City website: You can use fire hydrants for fun. City officials: No you can’t.
Water plugs were opened illegally more than 650 times last summer.
Old City fire update: Chestnut Street is reopen between Second and Third
Reconstruction has been slow-going since the Feb. 18 blaze.
Mayor Kenney’s budget proposal, Cliff’s Notes version
Property taxes, opioid resources, school funding, road paving and lots more.