Occasionally (make that: ALL THE TIME), actual news happen around us when we least expect it.
So, tonight, on their way from covering/shooting the Justice show @ 930 Club Ryan and Chris saw this building on 16th street blow up before their very eyes. -svetlana
After returning from a night out, we returned to Columbia Heights and witnessed a mass congregation of firetrucks and pedestrians lurking on the sidewalk as a major blaze took hold of an apartment building on Mt. Pleasant St. We were able to get close to the blaze, scale a building and capture some moments as DC’s finest attempted to quell a wild fire. Between the time these photos were taken, the fire spread from the initial outbreak on the top floor to the rest of the building. Flames were literally shooting out the windows. The fire later spread to a recently renovated historic church as hundreds of curious onlookers crowded sidewalks on 16th street.
-Words by Chris, Photos by Ryan
Here are the photos and any further details you may have on this, are welcome:
I watched that Vernon st. fire happen last week as well (across the street from my building). Best part is: the landlord did it!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/03/09/ST2008030902227.html?hpid=topnews
March 13, 2008 at 9:10 amer, last year.
March 13, 2008 at 9:11 amI like the picture of the guy smoking and pointing at the fire.
March 13, 2008 at 9:24 amIt is really sad. The building was destroyed and about 200 people are now homeless! Thankfully (and miraculously), no of the residents were hurt (although one fire fighter was).
It was still burning this morning on my way to work.
get renters insurance, kids.
March 13, 2008 at 10:07 amHi All,
There were about 200 displaced residents from that building. They have nothing but the clothes they were wearing when they left their apartments.
It would be awesome, if you could help donate items to these families. Just remember these people need everything from underwear, shoes, socks, coats. This is a great way to clean out your closet and help people. You can also purchase new items like underwear, toiletries, etc.
To donate to Neighbors’ Consejo, You can contact them at 202-234-6855 or send the donation to 3118 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20010. For more information, see the Neighbors’ Consejo
http://www.neighborsconsejo.org/
Thanks so much!
March 13, 2008 at 11:22 ami was evacuated from the apartments above tonic last night. it was horrifying. i’m very thankful that all the residents were ok! i’m definitely purchasing renter’s insurance TODAY!
March 13, 2008 at 1:11 pmThat place was a shithole. Just a matter of time.
Sorry for the residents.
March 13, 2008 at 3:20 pmhmm, think I was shooting from the same spot, a bit earlier. this thing was insane. I’m amazed and thankful that no one was hurt.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonwu/sets/72157604110245597/
March 13, 2008 at 4:19 pmThis thing went from nothing to inferno in a VERY short amount of time. I was across the street when it started, and the response was impressive… and the church behind it was still smoldering when I walked to the Metro at 10:30 this morning.
March 13, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I remember stumbling upon the remnants of that building in Adams Morgan that burned down last fall. It actually makes me pretty sad. Then I start wondering what all the tenants are going to do? How do you just start over from scratch? Do you have any choice?
Makes me think about all the stuff I’ve accumulated in my room alone: passport, financial documents, a few rare books, a copy of my birth certificate, etc…
March 13, 2008 at 8:29 am