Fatal Fire Shuts Down East Capitol Street

Victim was bedridden

While wide snow banks and unplowed lanes squeezed commuters on their way to work on Wednesday morning, they were blocked entirely from East Capitol Street in southeast Washington for another reason: a fatal fire.

The fire ignited at a home in the 5200 block of East Capitol Street SE sometime after 5:15 a.m.

Firefighters confronted heavy fire conditions inside the home as they closed in on the blaze. They also found a body in the basement.

Fire officials confirmed the victim had been bedridden. They did not immediately identify the person.

Firefighters worked in below-freezing temperatures and blustery winds. One firefighter suffered from minor burns and was transported to an area hospital.

As of 7:30 a.m., well into the morning rush hour, East Capitol Street was shut down in the area around the fire scene.

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