SUSAN PHILLIPS
WUSA9
Reprinted with Permission
WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Firefighters are working to recover works of art after a fire broke out at a prestigious art gallery in Northwest DC.
Pete Piringer, spokesperson for DC Fire and EMS, says firefighters responded to a report of a fire in the 1600 block of 21st Street around 8:30 a.m. Firefighters arriving on scene found fire showing in the roof and ceiling of the 4-story Phillips Art Museum. Piringer says additional units were called to the scene.
According to Piringer, an automatic sprinkler system was activated, and firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control within 15 minutes.
Right now firefighters are cleaning up and are working with the museum's curator to remove artwork from the building.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
At this time there is no specific information available on the condition of the artwork or if any significant pieces have been lost.
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