“there was an entirely foreseeable fire in River Terrace”

“Dear PoPville,

Tonight (Tues.) there was an entirely foreseeable fire in River Terrace, which could have been prevented, and could have ended in tragedy. There’s been a long abandoned and condemned house; for several weeks a squatter has taken up residence. Many calls and messages have been sent to local leaders and authorities over weeks and months. They’ve known about it, even so much to come out and inadequately board up doors to prevent entry several times.

With weather getting colder, neighbors were worried that to stay warm someone in the abandoned home would start a fire. Tonight that fire was set, and then it spread, causing a family with young kids to flee their neighboring house into the pouring rain. We don’t know if the squatter is safe (we hope so) and luckily this fire started in the early evening when people were walking by and neighbors were awake. It could have been a tragedy, considering how quickly fires can spread between row homes. I can’t tell you how long there have been complaints about this house, and no one has been able to do anything. Neighbors will no longer accept inaction.”

DC Fire and EMS reported: “Working Fire Dispatch 300 block 34th St NE. Had fire 2nd floor & attic 2 story vacant end row dwelling. Visible fire knocked down. Checking for extension into adjacent occupied home. No injuries reported.”