Post by Tim Gowa

Update, 11:02p.m: A “very cluttered apartment and a bunch of debris” caught fire on the 9th floor of Columbia Plaza on Friday evening, causing a massive flurry of activity on Virginia Avenue between 23rd and 25th streets.

Firefighters from Foggy Bottom’s Engine Company 23 were first on the scene and extinguished the flames without any injuries within 10 minutes, according to D.C. fire officer Richard Sterne.

About 30 residents milled outside, as a dozen D.C. fire engines stretched hose lines across the street towards The Diplomat building. Despite the dramatic response, the building was re-opened just before 10 p.m., with the exception of the 9th floor.

Fire Department Spokesperson Alan Etter said in an e-mail they are still determining the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire is also still unknown.

Stay with the Hatchet for more details.

– David Ceasar and Eric Roper contributed to this report.