(Updated at 1:05 p.m.) Firefighters are investigating the source of dark smoke seen billowing out of a Columbia Pike apartment building’s parking garage.
The smoke was seen coming out of the garage entrance at the rear of the Pike 3400 building, at the southwest corner of the busy intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road. A large fire department response was dispatched to the scene around 12:30 p.m., though the smoke has since largely abated.
Initial reports suggest that a boom was heard in the area and that it appears that an electrical transformer on the second level of the garage may have exploded and caught on fire, before the flames were extinguished by a sprinkler system.
In the past, fires that destroyed the electrical transformers of large buildings like this one have caused extended power outlets for residents.
The westbound lanes of Columbia Pike are currently blocked by emergency activity between S. Monroe Street and S. Glebe Road.
“Seek alternate routes,” advised an Arlington Alert.
3400 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA.
Blown electrical transformer in garage basement.
Expect significant delays especially if they need a foam truck (due to electrical) from DCA – @MWAAHQ @alanhenney @RealTimeNews10 @STATter911 @ARLnowDOTcom @DildineWTOP @WTOPtraffic https://t.co/6JA1uaURYG pic.twitter.com/zFCJNHMZA3— Matthew Young (@matthewyoung31) March 24, 2022