A three story vacant mixed occupancy building was the setting for a stubborn multiple alarm blaze in the nation's capital on Tuesday, March 8, 2005.
Washington D.C. firefighters arrived after midnight to find heavy fire on the first and second floors of the building at 1629 "L" Street N.E. Units were withdrawn from the L shaped structure as flames quickly swept upstairs and took possession of the cockloft. A second alarm was sounded, followed by additional special calls.
An exterior attack was than initiated, utilizing a tower ladder plus several ladder pipes and stangs.
The blaze burned for several hours before being declared under control.
It was fought by personnel staffing 16 engines, 6 trucks, 2 heavy rescues, the hazmat unit, four battalion chiefs, the firefighting deputy, and several special units. Friendship Fire Association, the city's buff club, provided rehab support with their canteen unit and rehab bus.
