Thirty five residents of a Catholic Charities shelter safely escaped a two alarm blaze that badly damaged their residence in Washington D.C.'s Columbia Heights neighborhood.
The fire erupted in the three story building around 3:30 am on Memorial Day, May 29th. Firefighters found the structure filled with dense smoke on all floors but could not immediately locate the seat of the flames.
The blaze was eventually traced to the cockloft, which was heavily involved, and shortly thereafter fire burst thru the roof.
It took 11 engines, 6 trucks, 2 heavy rescues, three Battalions, Firefighting Deputy, and several special units to control the blaze, utilizing an aggressive interior attack. D.C.'s Rehab Unit, staffed by volunteers from the Friendship Fire Association, assisted with rehydration on what was a warm, muggy, holiday morning.
