(DC DDOT webcam capture from nearby 18th and I Streets NW)

Getting some buzz about a possible explosion at Farragut West. Latest from DC Fire EMS Twitter:

manhole fire – heavy smoke – 18th & I St NW -PEPCO needed – expect some traffic issues

Manhole explosions are not an unknown phenomenon for summer time in DC.

Latest update from DC Fire EMS:

update- elec feeder line (underground on fire and smoking ) Metro NOT affected, but near a Metro station I st closed btwn 17th & 18th St NW

Traffic is pretty bad around the affected area so if you’re driving, plan accordingly. Or take a break and wait it out.

Paulo Ordoveza

Roving Asian mendicant, can occasionally be seen wandering the streets of downtown Washington, muttering unintelligible gibberish to passers-by while pushing a “bag lady” shopping cart full of old blankets, American flags, soda cans, and healthy secondhand snacks from organic food shop dumpsters. Used to live in a cardboard box at 16th and K but the rent was too expensive.