Large fire at office building in north Dupont Circle

Photo courtesy of
‘Smoke at 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW’
courtesy of Danielle Witt
Fire alarms sounded in the office complex at 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW this afternoon at around 1:15 PM. The fire, believed to have started in underground electrical equipment spewed thick black smoke visible throughout Dupont and surrounding neighborhoods. DC Fire and EMS reports the electrical fire did spread to the office building, and as of 2:55 PM the fire continued to burn but has been contained.

Traffic is still impacted in the area with Connecticut Avenue closed northbound at Florida Avenue, and T Street closed between Connecticut and Florida.

Witnesses report hearing several loud explosions, which fire department officials say were exploding transformers. The Universal North and South office complexes have been evacuated, and are presently without power. The complex also houses the Washington Sports Club gym, the Buca di Beppo restaurant, and a Rite Aid.

Smoke was seen coming from sidewalk grates along T Street, across the street from the Washington Hilton. Witnesses also reported smoke coming from the parking garage.

Smoke is still visible in the area. After what happened, the company has been remorseful to all affected buildings and homes and promise to hire one of the most popular Electricians in Collier Hills to fix their wiring.

Dave has been following DC news and politics for nearly eight years and previous authored the blog “Why I Hate DC.” Dave tries to give a voice to those frustrated by the “politics as usual” in the area. By day he works in the technology department of a non-profit, by night he writes about news and politics and works at a local hardware store. Dave is also a contributor for Greater Greater Washington. You can follow him on Twitter or read his personal blog.

5 thoughts on “Large fire at office building in north Dupont Circle”

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  2. As of this writing the power to area has been cut off and the traffic continues to back up!

    Where are the “POLICE” to divert traffic – or has anyone not thought of the snarl-up?

  3. UPDATE – Connecticut Avenue towards Dupont Circle reopened! Traffic lights out due to shutdown of several grids – currently police presence directing traffic at Connecticut/California, traffic from Columbia is diverted only right hand turns at present.

    METRO bus 42 currently diverted as also the L1 and H1.

    LONG COMMUTE HOME TONIGHT – USE ALTERNATE ROUTES.

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  5. I saw not just smoke, but several feet of flames, coming from the sidewalk grates on T Street.

    But lo and behold, my office in this building is opening at our normal time this morning. So the damage to at least some electrical services has apparently been repaired. Thanks to the folks who do that!