Two fires in the District broke out just minutes apart early Wednesday morning, forcing more than a dozen people from their homes. The first call to D.C. Fire and EMS came just before 2 a.m. — a basement fire on Kansas Avenue in the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest. Two firefighters were sent to a hospital with minor injuries. Nine people were displaced, according to the fire department. Less than 20 minutes later, fire crews were called to a row home on Kentucky Avenue in Southeast D.C. That fire left seven people and two cats without a home. No injuries were reported in the fire on Kentucky Avenue.

Final Update: Working Fire – 300 Block of Kentucky Avenue SE – All fire extinguished. Smoke extended to adjacent residences.

Seven adults and two cats displaced as a result of this fire/smoke. No injuries. pic.twitter.com/0ZcX3Z7vFy — DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) March 4, 2026