Fundraiser Supports Critically Injured DC Firefighter

WASHINGTON, DC — A fundraiser took place on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to raise money for the DC firefighter who was critically injured while fighting a blaze in Northeast last week.

On Aug. 2, 28-year-old Dane Smothers Jr. was responding to a two-alarm rowhouse fire in the 800 block of F Street NE at around 11:30 p.m. when a ladder truck hit him at the scene. His uncle, a D.C. firefighter, was also at the scene.

Smothers underwent surgery after suffering injuries above the waist. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

The fundraiser was held by the firefighter group Scorched Souls M/C. Firefighters attended the event at Tune Inn restaurant from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., but some got there as early as 5:30 a.m., WJLA reports.

Scorched Souls M/C also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Smothers and his family. As of Wednesday morning, close to $10,000 has been raised.

>> See Related: Fire Truck Strikes Firefighter In DC, Leaving Him Critically Injured: Reports

"This incident reminds us all of the bravery and dedication of our first responders," Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement. "We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter Smothers, his family, and his fellow Fire & EMS colleagues. We will do all we can to assist them during this very difficult time."

Photo: Smothers, DC Fire and EMS