Firefighters Rescue Eleven From S.E. Apartment Fire

February 13, 2007...Vito Maggiolo
D.C. firefighters made numerous rescues as fire engulfed an apartment in Southeast on Tuesday evening, February 13th.

Flames were billowing from the third floor at 5040 D Street S.E. when Truck17 arrived at the four-story building around 5:15 P.M. To make matters worse, panicked residents were at numerous windows pleading for help.

As an interior attack was mounted on the blaze, aerial ladders swung into position and ground ladders were thrown to reach the trapped occupants. Limited access in the rear required that numerous ground ladders be carried and raised under difficult and icy conditions. At least 11 people were assisted from the structure.

Although all residents were safely removed or sheltered in place, four required hospitalization, including two in serious condition with smoke inhalation.