The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department responded to a fire that broke out in the 2600 block of Wade Road at 4:30 p.m. last Saturday near the Barry Farm Recreation Center. A total of 38 people were forced out of their apartments after the fire.
1630 Hours WFD 2640 Wade RD. S.E. 15Engine arrived to find a 3 story apartment building with smoke 💨 showing side (A) with people trapped. Units removed victims via ground ladders fire knocked checking for extension. #Rescue3 #15Engine Video from bystander pic.twitter.com/xhhxo7pHK7
— Rescue3 (@DCFDRescue3) April 25, 2020
There were reportedly no casualties at the scene. The D.C. Fire and EMS shared several photos from the incident over its Twitter account, adding details of first responders’ operation, including their placing portable ladders around the burning building to move residents out safely.
#DCsBravest placed 11 portable ladders around the fire building on Wade Rd SE, despite limited access in the rear and structure set back from street. This calmed panicky residents and allowed us to remove those in immediate need. As a result, all residents out safely. pic.twitter.com/vhqvVWkYn0
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) April 25, 2020
The power of the closed door. The apartment next to the gutted unit on Wade Rd SE is virtually untouched. Why? The door was closed! This is why #DCsBravest want you to close your bedroom door at bedtime, and to close doors behind you when evacuating during a fire. pic.twitter.com/180uJ7zAmT
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) April 25, 2020