fire

1115 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

A reader sends these heart breaking photos of Frager’s this morning. Last night Frager’s wrote:

“Yes, there was a fire at Frager’s. Everyone got out safely, and we are grateful for that. We will get together tomorrow and figure out how to proceed after this terrible fire, but we want to thank you for all your emails, web submissions, and above all, the hugs from so many who we met after the fire. Please stay with us while we sort this out, and thanks!”

For those who want to help, a reader sends:

Tax-Deductible Fund for Frager’s Hardware Fire

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has set up a donation fund for Frager’s. Contributions are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.

From their website:

Frager’s Fund Needs Your Support

A special fund is being created to provide help as needed in the aftermath of the June 5th Frager’s Hardware Fire. To make a contribution, click on the Donate button and write “Frager’s” in the Dedication section.

LINK TO DONATE

From DDOT:

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Metropolitan Police Department would like to inform the public that the following streets will be closed due to a structure fire in the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

· Pennsylvania Avenue from 10th to 12th Streets, SE (eastbound closed)
· 11th and 12th Streets (northbound) at G Street, SE
· E Street at 10th Street, SE

**Pennsylvania Avenue (westbound) is open**

Ed. Note: Huge props and respect to the firefighters who battled the four alarm fire. Two firefighters were injured. Wishing them a speedy recovery.

Looking forward to posting about rebuilding plans soon.

Update from Matchbox:

In light of the devastating fire at Frager’s Hardware near Eastern Market, the Barrack’s Row location of matchbox (521 8th Street SE) will host open interviews for employees and neighbors affected by the fire and who are in need of temporary work. From 2pm to 5pm this afternoon matchbox management, led by Fred Herrmann, Vice President of Operations for the local restaurant group, will host interviews for all interested candidates affected by the fire.

“Frager’s has been a part of our community for longer than most of us have been here. We want to do what little we can to help alleviate the pain the store’s employees and families are already experiencing, and intend to continue our help for as long as and in whatever ways possible,” Herrmann said.

The recent addition to the board of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, Herrmann plans to involve the restaurant group in the reconstruction in whatever capacity possible after the damage has been assessed and employees are placed in ongoing work.

11th and Pennsylvania Ave, SE via AM

@iaff36 now tweets:
“**3rd Alarm** #DCFD on the scene at Fragers Hardware in #Caphilldc”

@patrickWhitmore tweets us:

“@PoPville cops getting people away due to toxic fumes. Likely from paint shop. People should stay away – for their own health.”

@melanieciolek tweets: “DCFD going at flames from above, have windows out in house next door”

View from Rossyln:

Photo via SB

From Council Member Tommy Wells:

“Frager’s Hardware is a DC landmark and an absolute gem to the Capitol Hill community. The owner John Weintraub and former co-owner Ed Coppenhaver have always given back so much to the community. This fire may present a set-back, but I can say with confidence that this community and our city will rally behind Fragers and its employees. My office will be working with the store, neighbors and community organizations to help put together a coordinated response effort. I want to thank our Firefighters and emergency responders for their efforts to contain and put out the fire.”