A fire on the roof of the Mazza Gallerie shopping center prompted the building's evacuation and an extended suppression operation in the bustling business district of Friendship Heights.

Engine 31 was called to 5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW for an automatic fire alarm that began sounding around 8:00 pm. The engine's officer reported smoke pouring from the roof, and requested a box alarm assignment be filled.

Once on the scene, Battalion Chief Stephen Reid, PhD, determined that extra ladder trucks were needed to support the operation on the 60-foot high building. Because the fire had burned into roofing materials, it was difficult for firefighters to locate the bulk of the fire. Once it was found, however, the fire was contained quickly and an extensive overhaul process begun.

There were no injuries. The cause has been determined accidental, the result of construction on the roof. Damage has been estimated at $75,000.