Morning Rush-Hour Fire Ripped Through Washingtonian Auto Repair Shop

Update 10:20 a.m.

Wisconsin Avenue has reopened to traffic in both directions. Q Street will remain closed for several hours, according to D.C. Fire and EMS Spokesman Pete Piringer.

**Correction: In an earlier statement, Piringer reported that one employee was transported. However, the employee potentially requiring transport refused. No injuries were reported.

Update 10 a.m.

The fire has been distinguished. Crews remain on the scene. Traffic is still blocked from traveling on Wisconsin Avenue except for Metro and Circulator busses.

Update 9:53 a.m.

D.C. Fire and EMS Spokesman, Pete Piringer, said three people were evaluated by EMS and one was transported from the scene to the hospital. Piringer believes all three were employees.

Additionally, a health inspector has been requested to examine restaurant next door to the gas station. The restaurant appears to have sustained smoke and water damage, according to Piringer.

Update 9:40 a.m.

Metro busses are now being allowed to pass through the blocked portion of Wisconsin Avenue.

Update 9:15 a.m.

The station at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street is still on fire as of 9:15 a.m. Tuesday. D.C. Fire and EMS are on the scene. The majority of the blaze is under control. Wisconsin Avenue is blocked at Q Street to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Side streets are also being blocked, vehicles traveling north on 31st Street are being diverted east on Q Street to avoid the intersection.

Trucks used the fire hydrants on Q Street next to the Exxon station, west of 32nd Street, and on Q just west of 33rd Street. It is not clear if any other hydrants were used to help control the blaze.

According to Pete Piringer, the public information officer for D.C. Fire and EMS, units arrived on the scene just after 8 a.m. to a "pretty significant fire." The fire was concentrated in the repair shop. Piringer said there was significant damage and a blaze spread to the side of the shop in either a pile of rubble or a car. He was not on the scene at the time and could not confirm.

It is unclear at this time what started the blaze.

More updates to follow.