WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Two women were in the hospital on New Year’s Eve after a large fire broke out at an apartment building leaving several people displaced in Northwest D.C.
Vito Maggiolo, a spokesperson for DCFD, told DC News Now at the scene that just before 1 a.m., crews were called to an apartment fire in the 1400 block of Chapin Street. He said the call came in for several people trapped in the building.
When crews arrived, flames could be seen coming through the roof of the four-story building, leaving thick smoke billowing over the area.
The fire department said firefighters rescued several people including two women who were taken to the hospital.
Officials said one woman was admitted with serious injuries and the other had critical injuries.
“At 1 o’clock in the morning, in this large building, most people were asleep and it is very challenging to get everyone out safely, but that was accomplished,” said Maggiolo.
Nearly two hours into the attack, officials said the majority of the fire was out and crews were managing hot spots.
Maggiolo said that everyone who lived in the building was displaced. Buses were requested to take residents to the Columbia Heights Recreation Center, where the American Red Cross will assist residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
