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Fire Rips Through 4800-Block of Queens Chapel Terrace NE, No Injuries Reported

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. eens-chapel-terrace-ne-no-injuries-reported.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 14:18 GMT by wjla

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Fire rips through 4800‑block of Queens Chapel Terrace NE, no injuries reported

A residential fire erupted on the 4800 block of Queens Chapel Terrace in Washington, D.C.’s Northeast on a quiet Sunday afternoon, prompting a swift response from the city’s Fire & EMS units. According to a report published by wjla.com (CBS Washington), the blaze was brought under control within minutes, and fortunately no injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident, however, has sparked a city‑wide discussion about fire safety in older homes and the ongoing redevelopment of the historic Queens Chapel neighborhood.

The incident

The fire was first reported at 7:45 p.m. EDT by a neighbor who heard smoke alarms go off and saw flames lashing from the rear of a row‑house on the 4800 block of Queens Chapel Terrace NE. The building—an early‑20th‑century brick duplex with a flat roof—had long been a mixed‑use residence, housing families on the ground floor and small apartments above. A quick look at the footage released by the fire department shows a column of white‑black smoke emerging from the side entrance, quickly spreading across the roofline.

Fire and EMS dispatched Unit 1 and Unit 2 from the adjacent H Street Firehouse, arriving on scene in under two minutes. The crews reported that the fire was most likely electrical in origin, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Preliminary assessments suggest a short circuit in a kitchen outlet, a claim the department is corroborating with a post‑incident forensic report.

“The structure was a fire‑prone building with known electrical issues,” a spokesperson for DC Fire & EMS said. “We were able to contain the fire quickly and prevented it from spreading to the neighboring units.”

Response and containment

Upon arrival, the crews set up a ladder to reach the second floor and used a 6‑inch water hose to douse the flames at the roofline. The fire was contained within fifteen minutes, and the building was deemed structurally stable by the time the crews withdrew. Although the front of the house sustained extensive heat damage, the fire never reached the neighboring houses, which were evacuated for precautionary reasons.

Firefighters were careful to avoid a potential gas leak. “We checked the city’s gas line maps and found a 22‑inch main running beneath the block,” a firefighter explained. “We took a cautious approach, using a portable gas detector to ensure there were no leaks before we opened the roof hatch.” This careful work likely prevented a more serious explosion or larger fire.

Aftermath and demolition

The building’s owners, a family who had resided there for several decades, expressed gratitude for the city’s rapid response but also sorrow over the loss of their home. “It was heartbreaking to see it go up, but we’re relieved everyone was safe,” the resident told wjla.com.

The structure is slated for demolition, a decision confirmed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The site will be incorporated into a mixed‑use redevelopment plan aimed at providing affordable housing and community amenities. A link to the DHCD redevelopment proposal is included in the original article, offering residents a look at the future of Queens Chapel Terrace.

City safety push

The incident has prompted the Mayor’s office to issue a public safety announcement urging residents in older homes to:

1. Check smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries.
2. Inspect electrical outlets and avoid overloading power strips.
3. Install carbon monoxide detectors in all key areas.
4. Stay updated on city fire codes and report any potential hazards.

Mayor Muriel Bowser (link to her official press release) noted, “We’re committed to ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. This fire is a reminder that vigilance and routine maintenance can save lives.”

Links for context

The original wjla.com story included several external resources:

• DC Fire & EMS official website – for real‑time incident updates and safety tips.
• Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan – a PDF detailing future land use on the Queens Chapel Terrace site.
• Previous News Piece – a 2023 article covering a similar fire on 4900 block, providing context on recurring fire risks in the area.
• Local Community Board Meeting Minutes – a transcript of the latest meeting where residents discussed fire safety improvements.

These links offered readers a deeper dive into the technical, administrative, and community dimensions of the incident.

What’s next?

While the immediate threat has passed, city officials are calling for a comprehensive review of all buildings on the Queens Chapel Terrace block. Fire inspections will be increased, and the city will allocate funds to upgrade electrical systems and install modern fire suppression equipment.

The neighborhood’s residents, many of whom have lived there for generations, are already expressing hope that the redevelopment will bring not just new housing, but also safer living conditions. The city’s commitment to community engagement is evident in the ongoing town hall meetings and public consultations that have followed the fire.

In summary, the 48‑00 block fire on Queens Chapel Terrace NE was a quick, contained incident that fortunately avoided casualties. Firefighters’ prompt action prevented the blaze from spreading to neighboring properties. While the cause remains under investigation, early indications point to electrical faults. The building’s demolition is part of a broader redevelopment plan, and city officials are leveraging the incident to push for enhanced fire safety in older homes. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, maintain their smoke detectors, and participate in upcoming community meetings as the neighborhood moves forward.