WATCH: City Playing Russian Roulette With People's Lives

After a tragic fire near 55th and Sansom took the life of a 12-year old named Frank Morasco,  neighbors and firefighters gathered for a vigil in front of his home to offer support to his family.

Those who spoke at the vigil blamed the Nutter administration's brownout policy for an unnecessarily long firefighter response time.  The policy, which involves temporarily closing fire stations across the city, was part of an effort to cut the city budget.  Though engine 57 is located only blocks from Frank's home, it had been shut down that evening as part of the brown out policy, leaving engine 68 to respond from a mile away.  Community members and firefighters stood together with a loud and clear message that no amount of cost savings can justify the loss of human lives. 

Philadelphians are being urged to petition the Nutter Administration to stop the rolling brown out policy.  Petitioning will be happening outside of Engine 57 at 5559 Chestnut St. during brown out days.  Block residents are also petitioning outside the homes affected by the recent fire at 55th and Sansom.

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