Dispatcher mistakenly sends firefighters to wrong DC address


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WASHINGTON (AP) — A fire at a northwest D.C. apartment building reportedly burned unattended for several minutes after dispatchers sent firefighters to the wrong address.

WTTG-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1TCj1md) that no one was injured in the New Year's Day fire, but four apartments were badly damaged or destroyed on 40th Street after firefighters were sent miles away.

Resident Rosie Georgieva says she called 911 when she noticed smoke filling her room. She says that after waiting on the phone with the dispatcher for nearly six minutes, no help came.

Several fire engines and trucks were sent after Georgieva's call. But when they arrived at 2204 14th Street, there was neither smoke nor fire.

Firefighters asked dispatch for more information. The dispatchers corrected the mistake and sent different trucks and engines to 40th Street.

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Information from: WTTG-TV, http://www.myfoxdc.com

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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