2 women killed in DC house fire
Two women died after being pulled from the second story of a home that caught fire in Northwest D.C. during the predawn hours on Tuesday.
Flames broke out at a house in the 7200 block 8th Street Northwest in D.C.’s Takoma neighborhood just after 3 a.m., according to D.C. Fire and EMS.
The fire department said the women who died were the only ones inside the home at the time of the fire.
DC Fire and EMS is deeply saddened to report that the 2 victims from the fire in the 7200 block of 8th St NW have succumbed to their injuries. Our heartfelt condolences to their family, friends, and the community. #DCsBravest
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) February 7, 2023
The victims weren’t identified.
Fire Chief John Donnelly said around 50 firefighters responded, and while smoke was throughout the house, flames were confined to one room and a bit of a hallway on the second floor.
“Everybody should check their smoke alarms, it’s always an important thing to do,” Donnelly told reporters Tuesday morning. “And also look in on your neighbors who are elderly, make sure that they’re safe where they are.”
The fire was knocked down early Tuesday morning. Fire investigators are working to determine what caused the fire and whether the smoke detectors were working.
D.C. Fire and EMS plans to return to the scene around 10 a.m. to answer questions from neighbors.
This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.