WASHINGTON — D.C. firefighters are on the scene of a fire in the 700 block of Hobart Pl NW in Columbia Heights.
The fire broke out on the top floor of a three-story building around 3:48 a.m. Saturday according to Vito Maggiolo, a public information officer with the department.
Officials said a woman was rescued from the bedroom in her apartment, but the window could not be accessed, so she was taken out by crew in the hallway. She was transported to a hospital where she is currently in critical condition.
A man was rescued from his apartment by Firefighter Alvin Mason using a portable ladder, but due to narrow streets in the area, Mason said the rescue was a little more challenging. The man was evaluated at the scene but refused medical transport.
A third person was rescued and later transported to the hospital for minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
One firefighter sustained minor injures in the fire and was also transported according to fire officials.
The fire has since been placed under control and crews are checking and monitoring for hotspots.
Firefighters say the flames were so aggressive when they arrived, the heat from the blaze melted the rear siding of a nearby home.
In total, officials say 13 residents were displaced as a result of the fire and the Red Cross has been notified to assist them with relief.
There's no word yet on what started the blaze but investigators are on the scene working to determine a cause.