Fire in the fifth floor on North Capitol Street
(D.C. Fire and EMS Department photo, Twitter)
NBC Washington, with permission
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NBC Washington) – People setting off illegal fireworks started a fire Tuesday at a high-rise apartment building where many seniors live, officials say. Two people were taken to a hospital with injuries.
An illegal Roman candle landed on a fifth-floor balcony in the 1100 block of North Capitol Street, in the NoMa area, on Tuesday evening, D.C. Fire and EMS said. The firework landed on debris on the balcony and set it ablaze, putting dozens of seniors at risk.
Update Working Fire 1140 N. Capitol St NW. #DCsBravest had fire on 5th floor balcony with minimal extension into the apartment. Fire knocked down. Checking for extension and removing smoke in the interior. No initial reports of injuries. pic.twitter.com/AQ3cFMrWV0
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 1, 2021
Two people were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Others were evaluated on the scene for injuries and released.
Photos show firefighters helping seniors using wheelchairs.
Update Working Fire 1140 N. Capitol St NW. #DCsBravest continue to remove smoke from several floors. Assisted several occupants outside to safety and sheltered others in place. Now assessing several possible patients. Additional EMS units requested. pic.twitter.com/gTPoz0Np41
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 1, 2021
“Our investigators determined that there were some people out back playing with fireworks,” Fire Marshal Mitchell Kannry said.
Many types of fireworks are illegal in D.C., including “firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells and artillery shells,” the fire department’s website says.
