(Updated at 2 p.m.) All Metro service between Foggy Bottom and Clarendon has been suspended due to smoke in a Metro tunnel near the Courthouse station.
A large fire department response is on scene in Courthouse, investigating the issue. Riders are being evacuated from the Courthouse station, where a light haze was reported in the platform area.
Firefighters are looking into a possible electrical issue between the Rosslyn and Courthouse stations.
Simultaneously, a possible communications problem in the tunnels has been reported. Firefighters and the fire liaison at Metro’s rail control center are currently communicating on Arlington’s fire department response radio channel, however.
As of 11:30 a.m., about 45 minutes after the first dispatch, firefighters and Metro emergency response personnel were still on scene, trying to determine what, if anything, is on fire. An empty train is being brought in to help with the investigation. Around 12:45 p.m., firefighters were told that the issue is believed to be a burning electrical insulator.
As of 2 p.m., service on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines had been restored, according to Metro.
12:39PM #WMATA Emergency Response Team has identified a burnt out third rail porcelain (older) insulator located approximately 100’ outbound of Rosslyn platform (C2 146.00) on the Blue line segment and is beginning the process of removing the insulator
— Rail Transit OPS Group (@RailTransitOPS) September 9, 2020
#FinalUpdate: Scene has stabilized and most crews have left the scene. Several units are remaining to work with Metro emergency personnel to ensure track safety before reopening for passenger train movement. Follow @wmata for further updates.
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) September 9, 2020
Orange/Silver Line Delay: Train service suspended between Clarendon & Foggy Bottom due to fire department activity outside Court House. Shuttle buses requested.
— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 9, 2020