Fireworks spark fire at Washington building, injuring 2, displacing 76 – NBC4 Washington

A massive apartment building fire that injured a firefighter and an elderly person and left dozens of people homeless in Southeast Washington on Tuesday was sparked by fireworks, officials said.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services told News4 that a person using fireworks accidentally caused the fire at the Oxford Manor Apartments on Bowen Road SE. If investigators can determine who is responsible, they could be charged.

A firefighter and an elderly person who lived in the building were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A total of 76 people are homeless.

“They probably lost everything,” an emergency services coordinator said Wednesday morning outside the heavily damaged building.

The flames ravaged the building shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, while many residents were at work. Video footage showed flames shooting from the roof and smoke billowing from the building as firefighters sprayed water from the ground and from a ladder.

One resident told News4 she was putting her daughter down for a nap when she heard a smoke detector, then smelled and saw smoke. They rushed outside, barely grabbing everything they owned.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

The 30 housing units in the building are currently uninhabitable. Once crews have stabilized the building, residents will be allowed to return to collect some of their belongings. The Red Cross helps residents with needs such as medication.

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First responders want to remind people that most fireworks are illegal in Washington. If they shoot, fly, or explode, you can't use them. Go here for information on DC Fire and EMS.

Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.