A member of the D.C. Fire Department exits the Jefferson House apartment building Thursday afternoon. Michelle Rattinger | Senior Photo Editor
Dozens of firefighters from at least five different fire houses reported to the scene along 24th street. Michelle Rattinger | Senior Photo Editor
Updated March 1, 5:31 p.m.
A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Jefferson House apartment building this afternoon, producing black smoke that left an odor blocks away.
More than 30 firefighters arrived along 24th Street near City Hall at about 3:45 p.m., D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Oscar Mendez said, with about half a dozen emergency vehicles in tow.
Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Byrne said the flames were “heavy” upon arrival, but put under control within 10 minutes.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time and the soot-filled sixth floor remains closed to residents. No injuries have been reported.
- Chelsea Radler and Sarah Ferris contributed to this report
