“Car B Ques and Councilmember Allen. Troubling development.”

photo by Beth Penfield

“Dear PoPville,

Saw your post about the huge piles of leaves and car fires. Troubling development.

Councilmember Allen posted the following warning on his Facebook feed:

Hill East neighbors (and folks elsewhere), I wanted to alert you and update on what we suspect to be multiple incidents of arson (I’ve seen video from neighbor’s cameras). Over the past few weeks, someone has been lighting piles of leaves on fire, most recently in the area around 15th and D St., SE last night. The fire has spread to cars parked along the street and done serious damage.

This is creating a very dangerous situation for neighbors and first responders. I’ve been working with MPD, DC Fire and EMS, and your local ANC representatives to collect information with neighbors.

This also leads to even greater frustration and urgency with DPW’s serious failures and delays to collect leaves in Ward 6, including in Hill East. Last week and again on Monday evening, I pressed DPW Director Davis to focus on the delayed leaf collections and outline her plans to dedicate additional resources to collection. So far, she has not replied with a plan. I’m attaching those requests below for your awareness.

In terms of the arson, if you know anything or have video to share, please send me an email and I will connect with FEMS and the Fire Marshall.

Thanks. I’ll provide updates as I have them.”