A major fire broke out early Tuesday at the mansion of Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, located on Kalorama Road in northwest Washington, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes, including the vicinity of former President Barack Obama’s residence. Fortunately, the Phelan family was not present at the time of the incident, ensuring their safety.
This two-alarm fire erupted just hours after firefighters responded to the same property for a first-floor blaze attributed to electrical issues. This earlier incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Monday evening, as confirmed by D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly.
The latest fire, reported around 6 a.m., quickly spread throughout the three-story mansion, necessitating significant firefighting resources. A total of 125 personnel and 30 units were mobilized to manage the situation. During the response, a firefighter fell into an elevator shaft but was promptly rescued and transported to the hospital as a precaution. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported among the responders or nearby residents.
The Secretary and his wife expressed gratitude towards the D.C. Fire Department and Metropolitan Police Department for their swift action, as well as appreciation for the supportive messages from their neighbors. Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene as road closures are enacted in the area, ensuring safety for all while they work to determine the cause of the second fire.
This incident highlights the risks faced by emergency responders and the community’s resilience during challenging times. The quick action of the firefighting teams underscores their dedication to public safety.