Update: 34th Street Fire Began at 1731 34th St.

The began at 1731 34th St. and spread to affect two neighboring homes, according to the official report from the fire investigator. Fire and EMS personnel on the scene had originally indicated the fire began at 1733 34th St.

The report indicates that the "electical wire or cable insulation" was unintentionally ignited. The accident caused the PEPCO electrical meters to begin smoking and a manhole containing PEPCO wires to spew flames.

Victor Sant’Anna, the son of the property owners at 1733 34th St., initially notified Patch that the incident began next door and the fire investigator's report confirms several of the details he offered.

Sant’Anna said there were two sets of contractors working the day of the fire and the fire started when a worker at 1731 34th St. (not 1733) disturbed PEPCO’s electrical line. His contractors attempted to help contain the blaze and then called 911 when it spread to the home they were working on.

According to the fire report the first engines responded to the fire in 3 minutes and 26 seconds and a total of 65 personnel were on scene throughout the incident. The fire was considered "controlled" 35 minutes after the first units arrive, though all personnel did not clear the scene until two hours after that.

The report indicates that the hydrants were all in service, including the hydrant on 34th Street, though residents have questioned whether or not it was functional.

The fire resulted an estimated $5,000 in property damage.