A Box Alarm was dispatched at 6:11pm - for smoke coming from the rowhouse at 2424 Observatory Place, NW. First arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke in the block. In the rear of the building, heavy fire was encountered coming from the basement - extending to the back elevated porch.
Incident commander Damian Wilk called for a working fire dispatch. Firefighter/EMT's from Engine 29 took position in the rear of the structure and engaged an aggressive interior attack. The fire was contained in 30 minutes and was reduced to smoke within an hour.
Fire investigators have determined the use of candles in the basement started the blaze, which displaced a family of four and the male tenant in the basement. Damage estimates have been placed at $15,000. One firefighter, Henry Hansford from Ladder Truck 5, suffered a minor arm injury and was transported to the Fire/Police Clinic.
Photos below, are from the rowhouse fire at 2424 Observatory Place, NW.
Battalion Fire Chief 4 Tom Herlihy examines gutted basement |
Capt. Bruce Johnson, |
Battalion Fire Chief 5 Damien Wilk (left) confers with Capt. Bruce Johnson (right), of Ladder Truck 12 |