Library of Congress

Electrical line blamed for morning fire at Library of Congress

library of congress

An electrical line is being blamed for a fire Friday morning at the Library of Congress’s Madison building.

According to Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider, D.C.-area electric provider Pepco was doing work at the building, and a feeder line caught fire. 

Jennifer Gavin, senior public affairs specialist with the Library of Congress, said there was a "power surge" in an electrical room.

“But it’s out, and the building was successfully evacuated," she said. "I’m not aware of any injuries.”

According to Gavin and several firefighters at the scene, the fire broke out about 9:40 a.m. in the building’s sub-basement.

Schneider said emergency crews responded immediately. At least six D.C. Fire Department engines screamed up to the building with two ladder trucks, as firefighters sprinted inside. Capitol Police K-9 teams were on hand as well.

Roads around the building were shut down as more than a dozen fire trucks, Capitol Police and emergency vehicles remained at the scene.

Employees in the building at the time of the incident reported the lights flickering, and the Internet going down. They were then ordered to evacuate the building, and were allowed back in at 10:30 a.m.