The Sunday brunch scene at Ambar in Clarendon (2901 Wilson Blvd) was a bit too hot this afternoon.
A fire broke out at the popular restaurant today around 12:30 p.m. Initial reports suggest that a rooftop air handler caught fire; smoke and flames could be seen coming from the roof.
Wilson Blvd and N. Fillmore Street were shut down during the fire department response. Firefighters extinguished the blaze just before 1 p.m.
“Minor smoke conditions” were reported inside the restaurant, which also has a basement lounge called Baba. There was no report of injuries.
More via Twitter:
In #Clarendon @ArlingtonVaFD working hard on roof of Ambar restaurant. Hope everyone is ok pic.twitter.com/T2TAqCfrLF
— Melissa M Bondi (@MelissaMBondi) April 15, 2018
Update: Fire appears to be inside an air handler on the roof. Crews are attempting to get to it now. Minor smoke conditions inside the restaurant. pic.twitter.com/8ktp4FUrQU
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) April 15, 2018
#Update: Crews are getting water on the fire right now. Wilson Blvd at Fillmore will be shut down for a while. Avoid the area. https://t.co/SUiMmXpQAX
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) April 15, 2018
Couple more pics of the fire on Wilson Blvd. pic.twitter.com/mzKM1kurp7
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) April 15, 2018
Lots of excitement at Ambar? #ArlingtonVA pic.twitter.com/Crmgmkg21p
— I Love Arlington VA (@ilovearlingtonv) April 15, 2018
#Final Update: Fire is out. Units are working on overhaul. Wilson and Fillmore will continue to be shut down while crews clean up. Fire Marshal will be investigating the cause. pic.twitter.com/ySUa2ZcvqG
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) April 15, 2018
TRAFFIC ALERT: Wilson Boulevard at Filmore St. closed for fire response. Follow police direction in area. https://t.co/TepYshume9
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 15, 2018
Fire at Ambar, firefighters on the roof @clarendonnights @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/lwotc9gi3U
— Rachael (@DrRachael_09) April 15, 2018
Recent Stories
At Generation Hope, we’re dedicated to supporting teen parents in college as they work toward earning their degrees. We are in need of caring child care volunteers for upcoming events on Saturday, October 21st (in Washington, DC), and Saturday, November 4th (in Arlington, VA). Join our growing volunteer community and support us at an event this fall!
At all of our events, we provide free onsite child care for the children of the teen parents we serve, creating a nurturing environment for the kiddos while their parents learn valuable life skills and build community.
If you enjoy working with children and are looking to make an immediate impact in your community, please visit https://www.generationhope.org/volunteer to learn more.

Join us for Arlington’s biggest civil rights & social justice event of the year. The banquet is back in person at the Arlington Campus of George Mason University.
Our keynote speaker this year is Symone Sanders from MSNBC and former Chief of Staff for Vice-President Kamala Harris.
The Master of Ceremonies is Joshua Cole, former state delegate, NAACP President, and local pastor.
Tickets/seating are limited. Purchase your ticket today! Sponsorship opportunities available.
Rosslyn Fall Fest
Join the Rosslyn BID for Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1-6 p.m. at Gateway Park! Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshment at our hard cider tastings and cash bar, want a bite to eat from the
The Backyard: After-School Kids Club
Join us at Church of the Covenant on Military Road every other Wednesday afternoon from 4:00-5:30pm beginning on October 18th for The Backyard: After-School Kids Club. Cost is free! The program will provide recreation, snacks, Bible stories, and other fun