Fire @ Eisenhower Executive Office Building in DC 12.19.07

[Guest]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Firefighters battled thick smoke and flames Wednesday inside the historic Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next door to the White House, which houses the vice president's ceremonial offices.

They used axes to break windows on the third floor of the ornate building shortly after the blaze broke out after 9 a.m.

The fire started near the vice presidential offices, CNN's Kathleen Koch reported.

Fifteen firetrucks, including three ladder trucks, responded to the call.

The entire building was evacuated, a D.C. Fire Department spokesman said.

Within an hour, smoke had stopped pouring from the building.

Vice President Dick Cheney's working offices are in the West Wing of the White House, and he was not in the EEOB at the time of the fire.

There were no reports of injuries from the blaze, which appeared to be confined to the third floor, perhaps in an electrical closet or a telephone bank, said D.C. Fire Department spokesman Alan Etter.

The building, built between 1871 and 1888, is also called the Old Executive Office Building. It was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments and is an example of the French Second Empire style of architecture, according to a government Web site.

The building is the site of a number of events, including ceremonial signings, news conferences and photo opportunities.

Map of white house grounds

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/19/eob.fire/index.html

Edited December 19, 2007 by nutty1

[OnTheWheel 43]

It appears that the fire was actually a block or so away from the white house. So, Fire NEAR the white house would be a better title.

[Guest]

It appears that the fire was actually a block or so away from the white house. So, Fire NEAR the white house would be a better title.

The fire does not involve the white house at all.

[mpm5 2]

If there is a fire at the white house or on the prem who responds?

is secret service involved since there has to be some security issues with just allowing anyone in any one have any thoughts?

[ndemarse 0]

If there is a fire at the white house or on the prem who responds?

is secret service involved since there has to be some security issues with just allowing anyone in any one have any thoughts?

There was a Firehouse article about emergencies at The White House several years ago. I am sure that the Secret Service has a big part in what goes on and probably even have some trained members, but the main suppression units are DCFD engines and ladder companies.

[ny10570 745]

When the Clintons first moved to Chappaqua there were a few rumors about tactics involving a fire at their residence and secret service interaction. Maybe one of the Chappaqua guys can shed some light as I'm sure it would be similar.

[Guest]

The Old Executive Office Building is technically across a side street from the White House, but within the boundaries of what's considered the White House grounds. There used to be car traffic, but I don't think that regular traffic can go down that street anymore. It was originally built to house the War, Navy and State departments; it now houses the White House staff that doesn't fit into the West Wing--which is the part of the White House closest to the building. Warren Harding moved his offices into the building in 1929 after a fire in the West Wing; Lyndon Johnson was the first VP to have an office there.

[Guest]

I was wondering does DCFD get to do pre fire planing at the white house?

[Goose 188]

I was wondering does DCFD get to do pre fire planing at the white house?

It's the President's house, so i'm pretty sure they have plans on deck in the event there was a fire emergency there. Likewise, I've often seen an engine stationed on the white house premises, maybe off to the side on the lawn. Not sure if this is for the white house itself or for the helicopter and i have no idea how its staffed.

[GM911 0]

Living 4 blocks from the white house, this morning consisted of engine after engine driving by. I can only hope that there wasn't a fire anywhere else in the city, for it seems like every piece of apperatus was at the white house!! The firehouse in my district (Engine 23 & medic 1) is responsible for the white house premises, and from what I've been told, Engine 23 was the first on scene.

I went as close as I could to the scene because well, flashing lights attract me, and I asked a secret service man a couple of questions that I was wondering, which apparently many here have been asking as well. According to the secret serviceman, the White House does NOT have its own fire truck at all, rather they call DC Fire/EMS, who automatically sends AT MINIMUM 5 engines. When DC Fire arrives, a secret service man, often times in turnout gear, escorts the fire teams to the fire, but only after checking each and every firefighter's IDs.

Goose, whenever a helicopter is landing or taking off, DC Fire sends one engine to stand by.

[Guest]

The fire does not involve the white house at all.

I was home this morning having my coffee and watching Regis and Kellie when the news broke in with the BREAKING NEWS. To listen to what the reporter was saying you would think that the building was burning down. She said there was heavy smoke coming from the building when the picture at that time was showing a little more then a haze and then she said that there was smoke coming from the roof. I think I remember her calling it a big fire. I'm not downgrading the fire but it goes to show you how the news can put a spin on things to make it sound worse then it is.

[INIT915 1,119]

I was home this morning having my coffee and watching Regis and Kellie when the news broke in with the BREAKING NEWS. To listen to what the reporter was saying you would think that the building was burning down. She said there was heavy smoke coming from the building when the picture at that time was showing a little more then a haze and then she said that there was smoke coming from the roof. I think I remember her calling it a big fire. I'm not downgrading the fire but it goes to show you how the news can put a spin on things to make it sound worse then it is.

There was a point when "heavy smoke" was in fact coming from the building.

[xfirefighter484x 234]

I'm not downgrading the fire but it goes to show you how the news can put a spin on things to make it sound worse then it is.

You're lying!! That NEVER happens!!!!!!!!

[Bnechis 3,961]

It's the President's house, so i'm pretty sure they have plans on deck in the event there was a fire emergency there. Likewise, I've often seen an engine stationed on the white house premises, maybe off to the side on the lawn. Not sure if this is for the white house itself or for the helicopter and i have no idea how its staffed.

It is and has always been known as "the peoples house" we just allow the president and his family to live there

[Danger 160]

It is and has always been known as "the peoples house" we just allow the president and his family to live there

That's great news, I move to evict!