Arlington firefighters are investigating a reported fire in the ceiling at Lost Dog Cafe in Westover.
The fire started in the kitchen area and is said to be out, but firefighters are removing ceiling tiles to make sure there are no remaining hotspots, according to scanner traffic.
It’s unclear what sparked the fire, but accumulated grease in the kitchen ductwork is a commoncause of fires at restaurants.
The local staple at 5876 Washington Blvd is best known for its wide selection of beer and sandwiches. There are other Lost Dog Cafe locations on Columbia Pike and in McLean, Dunn Loring and Alexandria.
At least one lane of Washington Blvd is currently blocked by the fire activity.
Update at 3:40 p.m. — Lanes have reopened after the tanker was brought upright and towed away, according to VDOT.
Update at 3 p.m. — The southbound lanes of the highway are expected to remain closed until around 4 p.m., according to VDOT.
Update Fairlington/Shirlington: 395SB still closed at Shirlington Circle. Est reopening: 4PM. Towing making great progress (as always!). Pls avoid area. https://t.co/6JNnKyZI3upic.twitter.com/7InbxIBci5
Earlier: Three people are being hospitalized and southbound I-395 is blocked after a truck crash.
A propane tanker and another vehicle crashed near Shirlington Circle around 1:15 p.m., leading the tanker to overturn prompting a large emergency and hazmat response. Firefighters are on scene, hosing down the truck to try to prevent a fire.
According to initial reports, three people are being transported to the hospital after the crash and crews are working to vent at least some of the pressure from the damaged tanker to reduce the risk an explosion.
The highway “will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time,” according to the Arlington County Fire Department. Southbound traffic is currently being re-routed into Shirlington.
Update: 3 patients have been transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. HAZMAT crews working with law enforcement and the tow company to upright the truck. All units are remaining on scene.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 26, 2023
Driver crashes into bank drive-thru in Falls Church (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Driver crashes into bank drive-thru in Falls Church (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Driver crashes into bank drive-thru in Falls Church (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Driver crashes into bank drive-thru in Falls Church (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Driver crashes into bank drive-thru in Falls Church (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A bank drive-thru has been heavily damaged in the City of Falls Church after a driver smashed through a brick wall.
The incident happened shortly after noon at the M&T Bank branch at 133 S. Washington Street. Arlington County firefighters responded to the scene to evaluate injuries and, if need be, rescue anyone inside the vehicle.
(ACFD provides firefighting services to the city under contract.)
The driver, who appeared to be an elderly man, was reportedly able to get out of his Subaru on his own power and did not suffer any serious injuries. The drive-thru, however, was not so lucky — the brick wall that was demolished was holding up the roof, which came down on the front of the hatchback.
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Water rescues along S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Car stranded in flood water
Water rescue response and boat trailer, with water seen streaming down from I-395 above
Car stranded in flood water
Water rescue response on S. Joyce Street
(Updated at 2:30 p.m.) Arlington County firefighters conducted water rescues in the Pentagon City area this afternoon amid torrential downpours.
Initial reports suggest that three cars were stuck in high water along S. Joyce Street between Army Navy Drive and Columbia Pike, and that multiple people — including an elderly person with disabilities — were stranded, either in their vehicles or on the concrete median.
Another report suggested that the water was so high that at least one of the vehicles was floating. On traffic cameras, water could be seen streaming down from the I-395 overpass above.
A large contingent of fire department resources, including boats, responded to the scene. As of 2 p.m., ACFD said it was clearing the scene after everyone was rescued and no one needed to go to the hospital.
Much of Arlington, including Pentagon City, is under a Flash Flood Warning due to slow-moving, heavy downpours. The flooded portion of S. Joyce Street remains closed.
Crews are on the scene of a Water Rescue Incident in the area of S. Joyce St and Army Navy Dr. Currently several vehicles are stranded in high water, crews are utilizing rescue boats to make access to those trapped in the vehicles. Avoid the area and expect delays. pic.twitter.com/A6PlIbQCep
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 7, 2023
FINAL: All FD Units are in the process of clearing the scene, no patients were transported to the hospital as a result of the incident. Expect delays in the area to continue.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 7, 2023
LOCATION: S Joyce St. / SB I-395 INCIDENT: Flooding IMPACT: The entrance to SB I-395 from S Joyce St. is closed due to flooding. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/1bEt7qJF6s
Response to townhouse fire in East Falls Church (photo courtesy anonymous)
Aftermath of townhouse fire in East Falls Church (photo courtesy Chloe Jacques)
Response to townhouse fire in East Falls Church (photo courtesy Chloe Jacques)
(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) A townhouse in the East Falls Church neighborhood was badly damaged by a fire last night.
The fire broke out in a middle-of-the-row townhouse on the 6500 block of Washington Blvd around 11:30 p.m. on July 4. A large fire department response to the blaze blocked traffic near the intersection of Washington Blvd and N. Sycamore Street, one block from the Metro station.
Arriving firefighters reported encountering heavy fire coming from the home’s garage and extending up to the upper floors.
While the bulk of the flames were extinguished relatively quickly, firefighters were kept busy for more than an hour, searching for hotspots and ventilating the structure, according to scanner traffic. Additionally, several cats were rescued from inside the home.
This morning, fire investigators could be seen searching through the charred remains of the garage.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Arlington County Fire Department announced that while four animals were rescued and no humans were injured, one pet was found dead.
(2/2) The fire remains under investigation. Over 50 firefighters operated at the scene of the fire, with assistance provided by @ffxfirerescue. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.
Early this morning, firefighters also responded to a fire at the Frederick at Courthouse apartment building, at 2230 Fairfax Drive, shortly after 1 a.m.
Initial reports suggest that fireworks disposed of in the trash chute caused a fire that filled a portion of the building with smoke and set off sprinklers, dousing the flames but also causing water damage in numerous apartments.
The Arlington County Fire Department responds to a call in Shirlington in Oct. 2019 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County fire marshals are investigating a vehicle fire in the Shirlington area that might have been deliberately set.
The incident happened this past Friday morning on the 4500 block of 31st Street S., between the Shirlington and Fairlington neighborhoods.
“The Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD), Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is investigating a vehicle fire that occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on the morning of June 30,” Capt. Nathaniel C. Hiner tells ARLnow. “The ACFD arrived on the scene of the fire and found a black BMW X5 completely engulfed in fire. The OFM has determined the fire to be suspicious in nature and is asking nearby residents that may have any information that could benefit the investigation to please contact Deputy Fire Marshal Ryan Murphy [at] [email protected].”
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is seeking assistance regarding a suspicious vehicle fire. The fire took place on 6/30/23 between 5:45am – 6:45 am in the 4500 block of 31st Street S. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFM R. Murphy – [email protected]pic.twitter.com/Q2plgYpvoI
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 2, 2023
2019 9/11 Memorial 5K Run (Courtesy of Arlington County Sheriff’s Office/Jose Quiroz)
Runners lined up for the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run on Saturday (courtesy photo)
An American flag at the 9/11 Memorial 5K race in 2013 (photo by maryva2)
Security at Saturday’s 9/11 Memorial 5K race (file photo)
(Updated at noon) An anonymous Russian buyer has taken the website for Arlington’s annual 9/11 Memorial 5K hostage, undermining registration for this year’s race.
When the domain name lapsed, this buyer took over the page, translated it into Russian and demanded a large sum of money from the race committee to return it, Race Director Joshua Milfeit told ARLnow.
Instead of paying, the committee decided to abandon the old “.com” web domain and buy a new “.us” domain of the same name, said Milfeit, who is also a captain with the Arlington County Fire Department.
The 5K is hosted yearly by the Arlington County police and fire departments, sheriff’s office and the Emergency Communications Center. So far, some 200 runners are registered, compared to around 1,000 sign-ups typically seen by the end of June, Milfeit said.
“We’re all fire and police, none of us are professionals at this type of thing. Now our registration is super low for this year because people can’t find us on our new website,” Milfeit said.
The original Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K website was taken over and translated into Russian
In light of this year’s confusion, the early-bird registration deadline has been extended through the month of July. Those who register before then will pay $40 per person for a spot in the race, plus a race shirt, a bib and a finisher’s medal, Milfeit said.
There is an option when registering to sign up as an individual or in a team, with all children under the age of 12 getting a $10 discount applied at checkout.
All proceeds made from registration sign ups will be donated to the Bouldercrest Retreat, a mental health facility for military and first responders.
“We cut them a $50,000 check last year,” Milfeit said.
Jose Quiroz organized the race until becoming Acting Sheriff, after former Sheriff Beth Arthur announced her early retirement. Milfeit volunteered to take on the position of race director when Quiroz had to focus on his campaign to be the next permanent Sheriff. He prevailed in last week’s Democratic primary.
Milfeit says the 5K is an important tradition for him and his colleagues.
“Fire service is all about tradition and this is one of the true traditions Arlington police, fire and 911 communication center members can all do together,” Milfeit said.
The race will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the DoubleTree Hotel (300 Army Navy Drive) in Pentagon City. The course loops around the Pentagon and runners cross the finish line near where they started.
Donated post-race snacks and water will be available at the finish line. A post-race party will feature a DJ, a beer truck pouring free drinks and food trucks with food for sale.
For those who can’t attend the race, a donation page has been set up to help the event reach its $25,000 goal. There is also an option to register as a virtual runner, a feature that came about after the 2020 race was made completely virtual due to Covid-19.
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Behind the Virginia DMV along Four Mile Run (via Google Maps)
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Creek rescue along Four Mile Run (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A water rescue operation is underway along Four Mile Run after reports of a drunk man falling down an embankment.
The incident happened shortly before 4 p.m. behind the Virginia DMV office at 4150 Four Mile Run Drive. Initial reports suggest that the man fell 20 feet onto rocks below, suffering possible broken bones in the process.
The man is said to conscious. Because he’s in a creek bed, the fire department is treating this as a water rescue and a large contingent of fire apparatus — including water rescue and technical rescue trucks and equipment — is responding to the scene.
Update at 4:55 p.m. — The man has been hoisted from the creekbed by firefighters, and is in the process of being loaded onto an ambulance and brought to a local hospital.
FINAL: Patient has been transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries. Crews are in the process of clearing the scene.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) June 2, 2023
The westbound lanes of Columbia Pike are closed near Penrose Square due to a gas leak.
It appears that a construction crew working in the roadway struck a gas line. Police, firefighters and Washington Gas crews have responded to the scene.
As a result, westbound traffic is being diverted onto S. Barton Street, according to scanner traffic. One lane of eastbound traffic remains open.
It is not immediately clear how long the closure will last.
Arlington has seen a spate of gas line ruptures recently, mostly due to construction activity. S. Walter Reed Drive was completely blocked for a period of time on May 19 and two separate road closures for gas leaks, in Westover and Halls Hill, were reported on May 30.
Boats on fire at Columbia Island Marina (photo courtesy D.C. Fire and EMS)
It was a dreadful sight for boaters looking forward to a Memorial Day on the water.
Early Sunday morning, a significant blaze broke out at Columbia Island Marina, between the GW Parkway and the Pentagon, prompting a large fire department response from Arlington and D.C., including D.C. fireboats.
At least three boats and some of the marina’s dock were damaged, according to D.C. Fire and EMS. The flames could be seen from a distance.
Despite the intensity of the fire at times, fed by the boats’ fuel tanks, no injuries were reported.
Update Columbia Island Marina. 3 vessels well involved. DC Fireboats working in unified command with @ArlingtonVaFD land units have extinguished all visible fire. No injuries reported. #DCsBravestpic.twitter.com/xskmFhgDB1
Additional images of the fire overnight at the Columbia Island Marina. DC’s Fireboats and @ArlingtonVaFD worked together to extinguish 3 burning vessels. pic.twitter.com/ZZFG92jG7j
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle crashed into the pub (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Three Arlington County police officers were recognized for their response to a vehicle crash and fire at Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse (via ACPD/Facebook)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire and an injured person being helped after a vehicle crashed into the pub (photo courtesy Craig Smith)
Ireland’s Four Courts on fire after a vehicle reportedly crashed into it (photo courtesy Sean Quinn/Twitter)
On Aug. 12, 2022, Arlington police officers were among the first to respond to the devastating crash and fire at Ireland’s Four Courts.
Three ACPD personnel — Officer Whisner, Corporal O’Daniel and Corporal Playford — were just recognized for their heroism.
“Without hesitation, the officers entered the building, assisted with removing patrons, carried the injured to safety and provided emergency medical assistance,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow.
Whisner has served with the department for 2.5 years and Playford for 5 years, while O’Daniel has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience in Arlington, across the Sheriff’s Office and police department. They were honored for their bravery, for saving the lives of four critically injured patients and for preventing additional injuries during an annual Arlington County Fire Department award ceremony on Sunday.
“Your prompt response, quick decision-making, and selfless act of courage undoubtedly made a meaningful difference during this complex incident,” Arlington County Fire Chief David Povlitz told the officers, reading from a letter of commendation later provided to ARLnow.
“The collaboration between our departments was seamless, and your efforts in evacuating the building and removing patients were essential to the rescue operations,” he continued.
Firefighters on-scene were also lauded for evacuating the building, triaging patients, quickly extinguishing the raging fire, treating patients on-scene and transporting patients with life-threatening injuries to trauma centers, ACFD spokesman Capt. Nate Hiner tells ARLnow.
“Seamless collaboration with ACPD played a significant role in saving the lives of the critically injured patients and preventing additional injuries,” Hiner said.
The pub-goers who suffered the most serious, potentially life-threatening injuries were released from the hospital after about a month. The Uber driver who slammed into the pub, after an apparent medical emergency, did not face criminal charges.
Four Courts, meanwhile, expects to reopen in August, after about a year of insurance claims, permitting, demolition and construction.
The units who responded to the crash and fire were not the only first responders honored last week for saving lives. Last summer, there were two other rescues for which fire crews received accolades.
On June 25, 2022, Hiner said, 10 units responded to a “challenging trench rescue incident” in which a worker was trapped up to his shoulders in heavy clay in a collapsed trench at the rear of a house near Wakefield High School.
“The worker was in distress and having trouble breathing,” Hiner said. “Personnel collaborated to develop patient care and extrication plans, which they efficiently executed despite the difficult conditions and extreme heat. Crews worked for 75 minutes to safely remove the patient from the trench while providing ongoing medical care.”
Once the man was freed from the clay, he was rushed to the hospital and later discharged, making a full recovery.
