Photos By: Larry L. Lawrence of DCFD.com

 

Historic Library In Georgetown Goes Up In Flames

April 30, 2007...Story By: Alan Etter

Units responded at 12:29 PM for the building fire at Wisconsin Avenue and R Street, Northwest.  Upon arrival, firefighters knew they had their work cut out for them.

Heavy smoke was pouring from the roof of the Georgetown public library.  Soon after the first units arrived, fire began to leap from the roof.  An initial entry was quickly withdrawn as portions of the building began to collapse.  Firefighters began an exterior attack that took nearly three hours to complete.

It went to a third alarm shortly before 1 p.m. Monday afternoon.

Early reports indicate there is significant damage to the library. Most of the roof was burned off. One of the first people on the scene, a volunteer firefighter Mark Livingstone, said he noticed smoke coming from the roof.

According to neighbors, the library has the Peabody room on the second floor where many historic documents relating to Georgetown and City history are kept.

This is the second historic building to burn in D.C. today, but is believed to be a coincidence. The fire broke out just as the cities new fire chief and Mayor Fenty finished a press conference.

Below Photos Courtesy of Alan Etter