Man Critically Injured in Northwest D.C. Apartment Fire

A man believed to be about 70 years old was critically injured Monday in an apartment fire in Northwest Washington, the D.C. fire department said.

The unidentified victim was found unconscious in a basement apartment in the 2300 block of 40th Place NW when firefighters entered the burning residence about 10 a.m., fire department spokesman Pete Piringer said. He said the man was resuscitated by rescuers and taken to Georgetown University Hospital in critical condition, apparently suffering from smoke inhalation and possibly respiratory burns.

Piringer said a passerby called for help after seeing smoke pouring from the basement unit at the Townley Court Apartments, not far from American University. The victim, found unconscious in a bedroom, was alone in the apartment, Piringer said.

He said it was unclear whether the apartment was equipped with working smoke alarms. The cause of the fire is under investigation, he said.