Washington, D.C. – May 13, 2025 — A massive two-alarm fire tore through a historic three-story mansion in Washington’s upscale Kalorama neighborhood early Tuesday morning, just blocks from the residence of former President Barack Obama. The blaze prompted evacuations and a large emergency response, highlighting concerns about fire safety in the area.
The mansion, an English Manor-style home built in 1928 and recently purchased for $8.575 million, was undergoing renovations and unoccupied at the time of the fire. This incident followed a smaller fire at the same property the previous night, reportedly caused by an electrical issue.
Tuesday’s fire escalated rapidly, engulfing the entire structure and necessitating a defensive firefighting operation. Approximately 100 firefighters and 20 vehicles responded to the scene, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. One firefighter fell into an elevator shaft during the emergency but was rescued and hospitalized as a precaution; no other injuries were reported.
The mansion is owned by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and his wife. A spokesman for Secretary Phelan stated that the family was not in the home at the time and expressed gratitude to the D.C. Fire Department and the Metropolitan Police Department for their rapid response, as well as to neighbors for their support.
Fire investigators are working to determine the exact cause of Tuesday’s fire. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in historic homes undergoing renovation, especially in densely populated neighborhoods like Kalorama.
Residents in adjacent homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the day, with local road closures expected to remain in effect through the afternoon.
The Kalorama neighborhood is known for its historic homes and high-profile residents, including former President Obama. The proximity of the fire to such notable residences underscores the importance of stringent safety measures during renovation projects.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging property owners undertaking renovations to ensure compliance with all safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
