Skip to main content

DC fire department seeks woman in connection with Shaw fires

By Rick Massimo
The D.C. fire department is looking or thsi woman in connection with a series of fires in the Shaw neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. Fire and EMS)

The D.C. fire department is looking for a woman suspected of setting several fires in the Shaw neighborhood over the past two weeks.

The fires were all fueled by “common combustibles” and set in the overnight hours, the D.C. Fire and EMS Department said in a news release Monday. Officials didn’t provide more details on where and when the fires were set.

So far, the fires have all been set outdoors, said fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo, so there hasn’t been any damage to buildings. But “fire-setters often graduate,” Maggiolo said; “they feel empowered, and they sort of graduate to worse types of fires.”

They’re asking anyone with more information to call Fire Investigator Tomi Rucker at 202-904-6232, or call the arson tip line at 202-673-Arson (2776). You don’t have to give your name.

ONLY ON WTOP: Children’s National ER employee cites staffing shortage for 10-hour waits

By Megan Cloherty
Children's National Medical Center, in D.C., is in the midst of a staffing shortage as COVID-19 continues to affect more unvaccinated children and winter viruses, such as RSV, arrive early this year. One employee told WTOP it's contributing to the longest emergency room wait times in recent memory. An emergency room employee at Children's National, who spoke anonymously to WTOP, fearing repercussions, expressed concern for patients who are waiting for care and employees who are working shifts without adequate staffing in a pandemic. The worker said emergency room wait times at Children's "routinely approach 10 hours," saying it happens two to three times a week.
Read Next Story

Related News

ONLY ON WTOP: Children’s National ER employee cites staffing shortage for 10-hour waits

Businessman wants to open a shooting range in downtown DC

DC parents voice frustration about school safety protocols, lack of flexibility