4 Families Displaced After Southeast Apartment Fire

5 rescued after blaze breaks out

Four families have been displaced after a two-alarm apartment fire in Southeast required a dramatic rescue early Saturday morning. 

The fire broke out at 475 Orange Street Southeast shortly after 5 a.m. The blaze was initially reported as a trash fire, and only one fire truck was sent in response. However, when firefighters arrived at the address, they called for backup after seeing residents hanging out of the building's windows.

Five people were rescued by firefighters from the initial response truck. Two of the firefighters were burned the process of the rescue, but no serious injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The owner of the building tells News4 that he believes that leftover embers from a recent barbecue were the cause, but that has not been confirmed by officials.

The displaced families are currently staying at a Holiday Inn in Bladensburg.

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