Thick smoke and fast-moving flames ripped through a line of attached row houses in Northwest Washington on Saturday, triggering a massive fire response, collapsing part of a back porch, and drawing stunned neighbors out onto blocked-off streets.
According to DC News Now, DC Fire and EMS units were first dispatched to the 1700 block of 1st Street NW after callers reported flames shooting from the rear porches of two row homes. The fire spread into two neighboring houses, and firefighters mounted a coordinated attack from both inside and outside the buildings.
Response and injuries
Per a post from DC Fire and EMS, the incident was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm response, ultimately bringing roughly 100 firefighters to the scene. Medics evaluated three people for non-life-threatening injuries, and one person was taken to a hospital. Officials said that person is expected to recover.
Damage and displacement
DC News Now reported that the porch of one home collapsed during the firefight before crews managed to bring the blaze under control. Authorities have not yet released a final count of how many residents were displaced, as inspectors continue to evaluate structural integrity and overall damage.
Investigation and neighborhood impact
According to DC Fire and EMS, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire investigators and utility crews were expected to remain on scene to secure the affected buildings, and officials urged the public to steer clear of the 1700 block of 1st Street NW while recovery and inspection work continues.
