BREAKING: Fire Erupts at the White House in Unprecedented Incident

BREAKING: Fire Erupts at the White House in Unprecedented Incident

In an extraordinary and alarming development, a fire has reportedly broken out at the White House, sending thick smoke billowing over Washington, D.C. The blaze is believed to have originated in the West Wing shortly before 11:45 AM local time. Emergency services are currently on the scene working to contain the fire.

Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response

Witnesses in nearby Lafayette Square reported hearing a loud explosion moments before flames were seen emanating from the West Wing. “It sounded like a thunderclap, and then flames started bursting through the windows,” recounted Maria Vasquez, a tourist visiting from Texas.

Within minutes, units from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) arrived and began firefighting efforts. The extent of injuries, if any, has yet to be confirmed, and no official casualty report has been released.

Evacuation and Security Measures

President Joe Biden was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the incident and has since been safely evacuated to a secure location. Vice President Kamala Harris and key members of the National Security Council have also been relocated to undisclosed secure facilities.

The entire White House complex has been placed on lockdown, and law enforcement has established a perimeter extending two blocks in all directions. Adjacent federal buildings have been temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Preliminary theories range from an electrical malfunction to a possible gas-related explosion. However, officials have not confirmed any specific origin. Both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have launched a joint investigation and are treating the incident as both a potential accident and a possible security threat pending further findings.

Public Reaction and International Attention

News of the incident spread rapidly across social media, with the hashtag #WhiteHouseFire trending globally within minutes. Numerous world leaders and foreign governments have reportedly reached out to the United States for updates and to express their concern.