3-Alarm Fire In Alexandria Injures Firefighter, Prompts Extended Response

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A three-alarm fire Tuesday night in Alexandria injured a firefighter as over 100 firefighters responded.

The blaze happened at 4407 Wheeler Avenue, which is a warehouse area. Around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, the Alexandria Fire Department was notified about a fire alarm. The fire then escalated into heavy flames through the roof, prompting a response from over 100 firefighters in Alexandria and surrounding localities.

One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and has been released.

Firefighters remained on scene throughout the night as firefighters continued to tackle hot spots in the collapsed building. City structural engineers determined the building was unsafe to enter. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.

The investigation and response on the site will continue for days, according to the fire department. On Thursday, the fire investigation will resume when the building is deemed safe to enter. A regional investigative team from Arlington County, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is contributing to the response. During the investigation, special equipment, building engineers, and drone technology are being used to navigate collapsed parts of the building.

One of the affected businesses in the building is Jeffery’s Catering, which provides food for the "Meals on Wheels" program. The city government is working to ensure continued delivery of meals. The Alexandria Health Department is working with food vendors to make sure temporary and repaired workspaces can safely serve food as soon as possible. Questions may be directed to the Division of Aging and Adult Services at 703-746-5999.