Firefighters battling a raging blaze and a heat index of 100 rescued a dozen people from a Northwest apartment building on Memorial Day.
The fire erupted around 6 PM in the three story building at 219 Upshur Street NW. As a box alarm assignment arrived on the scene, fire began to show itself on the top floor, and numerous residents appeared at windows frantically seeking help. As members raced into the building to begin attacking the flames and search for trapped occupants, others began throwing ladders to reach those calling for help from windows.
Over six ground ladders were utilized, including a 45 foot Bangor in the rear. An intense fire fight brought the blaze under control, and 12 residents saved by firefighters. Of these, 11 were evaluated by EMS, and an adult and child transported to the hospital.
The Rehab Unit, staffed by Friendship Fire Association members due to the extreme heat, responded on the working fire dispatch and served over 100 Gatorades, 30 bottled waters, and provided numerous cooling towels.
In preparation for Firefighters Memorial Day, the DCFD tightened up the Last Alarm Garden, located at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. The Last Alarm Garden is dedicated to fallen firefighters and EMT's--heroes who have served the area.
Many thanks to Lieutenant Bowie Kuhn (Fire Boat # 3) for coordinating this event.
DC firefighters began their Memorial Day weekend Sunday morning investigating an unusual odor in a downtown hotel.
A hazmat assignment was dispatched around 9:30 AM to investigate an unusual odor at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street NW.
The initial report was for a kerosene type smell on the 7th floor. The hazmat unit took readings while Rescue 1 assisted and searched for the source.
Firefighter Chuck Ryan Returns Home
After spending 49 days in The Burn Center Firefighter Chuckie Ryan finally returned home to the quarters of Rescue Squad 3 this afternoon. On April 8th Firefighter Ryan received second and third degree burns to approximately 35% of his body while searching for potential victims at a house fire in North East DC. Ryan has undergone seven surgeries so far and still has months of therapy and rehabilitation ahead of him. This afternoon the members of Rescue Squad 3 transported Firefighter Ryan from the hospital back to the firehouse in South East DC where his family was waiting to take him home.
Firefighter Ryan and his wife would like to thank everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers throughout his stay in the hospital. The Ryan’s not only received a tremendous amount of support from both active and retired members of the DC Fire Department, but from firefighters around the country. They would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Marion Jordan and the entire staff of The Burn Center at Washington Hospital Center. Throughout his stay the members of Engine 15 and Rescue Squad 3, Local 36, and members of the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation stood by his side every step of the way.
Firefighter Mike Deavers, Sergeant Ramon Hounshell, and Lt. Robert Alverado also sustained burns on the night of April 8th. All have been released from the burn center and are still undergoing outpatient treatment for their injuries. Ryan, Deavers, Hounshell, and Alvarado are all expected to make a full recovery and return to work.
Small Fire At Historic Gate House
May 27, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
DC firefighters were called to the scene of a small fire at a historic gate house located on the National Mall Friday morning, May 27th.
A box alarm was dispatched around 6:25 AM for smoke reported coming from the Old Executive Office Building at 17th and G Streets NW. Due to conflicting information from the Office of Unified Communications, one of the responding units was assigned to investigate the area of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, several blocks south of the original address.
Engine 2 arrived at that location to find fire burning around the door frame of the small one story building, located on the Southwest corner. Other units were directed to the scene, and the fire quickly extinguished.
The structure designed circa 1827 by celebrated architect Charles Bulfinch — originally stood on the grounds of the United States Capitol and was the west gatehouse. It was relocated to its present location in 1880, due to landscaping renovation at the Capital.
Lt. Terry Williams Celebrates 25 Years Of Service
May 26, 2011: Story & Photos By: The Farm
The members of Engine 26 and Truck 15 celebrated Lt. Terry Williams 25 year
anniversary with the District of Columbia Fire Department on May 26th. The members of "The Farm" along with Lt. William's family, honored the Lieutenant with a dinner and presented him with a plaque. The members of the DCFD would like to congratulate Lt. Williams on reaching this milestone.
Electrical Fire 1220 L St. N.W.
May 26, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
An electrical fire in a Hi-rise office building opposite Engine 16’s quarters brought a box and working fire dispatch to the scene on Thursday afternoon, May 26th.
The call came in around 2:15 PM for smoke at 1220 L Street NW, a 12 story occupied building. Firefighters searching the structure discovered an electrical panel burning on the 9th floor.
Flames were confined to the panel, and the incident was declared under control once power was shut down. The building was safely evacuated, and there were no injuries.
Squad 1 Divers Make Life Saving Rescue
May 24, 2011: Story & Photos By: Elliot J. Goodman
Tuesday evening DC Firefighters responded to 3000 K St. N.W. for the report of a person who had fallen into the Potomac River. Units arriving on the scene confirmed they did a have a victim in the water.
Already enroute Rescue Squad 1 had their rescue divers in the back of Squad 1 suited and ready to go upon arrival. Upon their arrival firefighters John Shymansky and Tom Dillon immediatly jumped off the 25 foot seawall into the very swift and deep river, they secured the victim who had been in the water about 15 minutes and awaited the arrival of the Fireboat, he was taken onboard and then to Thompson's Boat House for EMS evaluation.
An excellent job done by Engine 5 and Truck 2 who lowered a ladder into the river and life preservers in the water in an attempt to help the victim until Squad 1 arrived. Fireboat 2 also did a great job in their fast response and assistance on the scene.
House Fire 4601 Grant Rd N.W.
May 24, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
Fifth Battalion firefighters battled a house fire in the Tenleytown area of DC on Tuesday afternoon, May 24th.
The fire broke out in the two story, semi-detached home at 4601 Grant Road NW during the evening rush hour.
Flames involved the first floor kitchen area, and were brought under control after a working fire dispatch was sounded.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
"THE COLONEL" RETIRES
May 20, 2011: Story & Photos By: Engine15Rescue3.com
The Anacostia Fire Department and other members of the DCFD bid farewell to Lt. Wayne “The Colonel” Klinger.
After 29 years of service to the DCFD “The Colonel” is retiring. Lt. Klinger has been a member of the Anacostia Fire Department for a majority of his career in the DCFD, along with being a firefighter here he has also held the title of Technician and Lieutenant .
The members would like to thank Lt. Klinger for his dedicated service the department and wish him a long and happy retirement. Good bye Colonel and good luck you will be greatly missed.
See more photos @ Engine15Rescue3.com
G.W. University Frat House Fire
May 17, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
A George Washington University fraternity house was severely damaged after flames ripped thru the attic and roof area on Tuesday afternoon, May 17th.
There was heavy smoke showing from the two story, semi-detached row dwelling at 605 21st Street NW when the first box alarm units arrived on the scene. A working fire dispatch was quickly sounded.
At one point, heavy fire erupted through the roof as firefighters opened up the top floor ceiling and attacked the blaze with hand lines.
The fire was brought under control without injuries.
Retirement Dinner June 9th
Location of E/S Golf Tournament Changed
See Flyer Below For New Location
Escalator Accident U Street Metro
May 13, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
Quick work by Rescue Squad 2 saved a small child potentially serious injuries at the U Street Metro station Friday afternoon, May 13th.
The four year olds foot became caught in an escalator at the 13th Street end of the station around 3:30, resulting in a metro rescue assignment.
The rescue squad was able to disentangle the child within five minutes of their arrival. EMS than took over patient care and transported the victim to Childrens Hospital.
MVA New Jersey & H St. N.W.
May 11, 2011: Story & Photos By: Vito Maggiolo
An overturned vehicle brought a DCFD rescue assignment to a busy downtown intersection Wednesday afternoon, May 11th.
The two car MVA, with one on its side, took place at New Jersey Avenue and H Street NW.
Although nobody was trapped in the accident, two victims required transportation from the scene.
Crews Deal With Numerous White Powder Calls
May 5, 2011: Story & Photos By: Elliot J. Goodman
DC Firefighters were extremely busy Wednesday afternoon when dozens of calls were received by OUC operators for the report of envelopes containing powder substances sent simultaneously to several DC schools.
While at this time it was not learned yet as to the contents, all calls were treated as the "Real Thing" as a precaution.
DCFD units were dispatched to the incidents to investigate and secure the envelopes as well as to provide EMS care to the exposed victims. FBI teams were also dispatched on all calls and the DCFD Emergency OPS center was activated.
