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Portion of the former Walter Reed Military Hospital goes up in flames

On Saturday, 20 units were dispatched to a vacant building engulfed in flames so large they could be seen coming out of the roof.

WASHINGTON — DC Fire and EMS are investigating a fire that occurred along the 1390 block of Main Drive, Northwest. 

On Saturday, 20 units were dispatched to a vacant building engulfed in flames so large they could be seen coming out of the roof. Firefighters arrived at the scene a little after 5:30 p.m. and were met with many challenges. 

First, they couldn’t gain access to the building because it was fenced and boarded up. Then, water supply was an issue. Finally, firefighters were battling single-digit wind chills. 

Once they got over those hurdles, fire and rescue began attacking the flames on the first floor in groups. There were 100 personnel on scene. So, while some worked on putting out the immediate fire, others continued working on gaining access to the rest of the building. 

By 7:15 p.m. the fire on the first floor had been extinguished. Hotspots were still being hosed down. Checks for additional flames are being done. 

DC Fire and EMS PIO says the building was once part of the former Walter Reed Military Hospital. 

No one was inside when the fire started and no injuries have been reported. DC Fire and EMS will now begin investigating the cause of the fire.

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