D.C. firefighters rescued a man and several pets from a massive apartment fire Tuesday afternoon.
The 9-1-1 center received multiple calls about the fire that was visible for several miles.
"It was spreading rapidly. The stability of the building became in question. The attic was burning, the roof was burning," Vito Maggiolo D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman told WUSA9.
The fire extended across at least three buildings of the Oxford Manor Apartments.
Crews searched and found one person on the second floor. By that point, the fire had compromised the stairwell, forcing firefighters to evacuate the person using a ladder.
He was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation but is expected to survive. Crews also rescued several pets from the fire.
Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Arlington, and Alexandria firefighters transfered to D.C. stations to handle calls.
