By Kathy Matheson
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — Participants in Philadelphia’s annual Mardi Gras-like New Year’s Day parade say a huge warehouse fire might have destroyed elaborate props slated for use in a few weeks.
Firefighters say explosions were reported at the three-story industrial garage and storage facility Monday. They were still pouring water on the building hours after the first flames were reported.
Members of the Fralinger String Band say they’re waiting to survey the damage from the blaze in a largely residential area of south Philadelphia. An elderly neighbor has been hospitalized.
Fralinger is one of many clubs that participate in the Mummers Parade each Jan. 1. The century-old tradition features thousands of performers dressed in costumes adorned with sequins and feathers.
Fralinger Chairman Steve Coper says replacing what’s lost will be difficult.
The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.