A man is in critical condition after being rescued from a burning apartment in Southeast Washington, D.C., on Sunday afternoon, according to fire officials.
The blaze broke out shortly before 2:30 p.m. at a three-story garden-style apartment complex located in the 1900 block of 23rd Street SE. Firefighters from D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC Fire and EMS) responded quickly after receiving emergency calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Upon arrival, first responders encountered thick smoke coming from the second floor of the structure. According to a statement released by DC Fire and EMS on X (formerly Twitter), firefighters immediately launched an interior attack on the fire and began a search for potential victims.
Inside the affected unit, fire crews discovered one man unconscious and suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was promptly removed from the apartment and treated at the scene by EMS personnel. Advanced life support measures were initiated before he was transported to a nearby hospital. Officials confirmed that the man’s condition remains critical.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the single unit where it started, preventing further spread to adjoining apartments. While the fire caused significant damage to the affected apartment, no other injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not yet confirmed whether smoke detectors were operational at the time or if the apartment had other fire safety equipment installed.
The identity of the man has not been released as of Monday morning, pending notification of his family. It is not clear whether he was the sole occupant of the apartment at the time the fire started.
A total of approximately 60 personnel, including firefighters and EMS crews, were involved in the emergency response. Additional support units, such as an air unit and a rehab truck, were dispatched due to the intensity of the blaze and high outdoor temperatures, which added to the physical strain on firefighters.
Local officials emphasized the importance of having working smoke alarms and developing escape plans in case of emergencies. “This incident is a reminder that fires can escalate quickly and having a safety plan can save lives,” a DC Fire and EMS spokesperson said.
Residents of the apartment complex were temporarily evacuated as crews worked to fully extinguish the fire and ventilate the building. Most were allowed to return to their homes later that evening once it was deemed safe.
According to data from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), apartment fires are among the leading causes of residential fire injuries across the United States. In urban areas like Washington, D.C., older multi-unit buildings may present additional risks due to outdated wiring or a lack of modern fire suppression systems.
The DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) recommends all residents take proactive steps to ensure fire safety, including checking smoke alarm batteries monthly, knowing at least two exit routes, and storing fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations.
The apartment fire in Southeast D.C. marks the latest in a string of residential fires that have occurred in the area over the past year. While the city has seen overall improvements in fire response times, officials continue to advocate for increased community awareness and building code compliance to reduce future incidents.
