A statement from the department acknowledges media reports that surfaced yesterday concerning the incident.

The department also acknowledged reports stating that some high ranking chief officers who were in attendance at the event may have withheld information but pointed out that none of the allegations have been substantiated.

The off-duty firefighters gathered at a Northwest D.C. firehouse in late July for a retirement party and a complaint was received by the fire department during the first week of August concerning an incident that occurred at the party.

The department says the investigation is open and on-going.

"It should go without saying that any inappropriate activity, such as that suggested above, is not acceptable behavior and will not be tolerated," the statement reads. "The department has 'zero tolerance' in this type of behavior."

According to the statement, appropriate disciplinary actions will be made if the allegations are found to be factual and rules and regulations were violated.