For the second time in less than four days, D.C. was hit with a spectacular four alarm fire, an event unparalleled in recent decades. The latest outbreak, on Monday morning, October 1st, destroyed the top floor of a four story, occupied apartment building at 2633 Adams Mill Road N.W, in the heart of the Adams Morgan neighborhood.

When firefighters arrived at the scene at approximately 1:15 A.M., flames were leaping from the roof of the 50x100 30 unit structure. A working fire dispatch and second alarm were immediately sounded.

Although units on the roof initially reported making good progress on fire involving the roof deck, firefighters working in top floor apartments found flames racing through the cockloft. While an interior attack was still being waged, the situation quickly deteriorated when firefighters on the roof reported they had been cut off and urgently requested a ladder to the rear.

A frantic rescue effort ensued as members scrambled to find a way to reach the trapped firefighters. The narrow alleyway initially prevented an aerial ladder from being positioned, so a 45 ft. portable ladder was raised, and a roof ladder was hand carried up it to bridge the final distance, a dangerous and precarious procedure. Fortunately, the firefighters in distress were able to fight their way down thru the interior.

Following this scare, all personnel were ordered withdrawn from the building, and an exterior attack was instituted. Units immediately began to experience low water pressure, and additional engine companies had to be called to bridge the gap. Eventually, large diameter hose lines had to be laid from as far away as Connecticut Avenue and Calvert Street in order to provide a sufficient supply.

The flames continued to rage for several hours, during which the top floor and roof completely burned away. Two firefighters suffered injuries during the battle and had to be transported to area hospitals.