A two-alarm fire that began Thursday night in the former Ugly Mug building at 723 Eighth St. SE, spread to four buildings total and displaced at least one family.
Acting Fire Chief Kishia Clemencia said DC Fire Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) units were called to the 700 block of Eighth St SE at 8:07 p.m.Jun 11. Finding a significant fire in the rear of 723 Eighth St. SE that had spread to adjacent buildings, she said a second alarm was called at 8:28 p.m., with 60 units and 100 firefighters total. The fire was under control within the hour, she said. A firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to local hospital. A civilian was evaluated for smoke inhalation but refused transport and treatment. Clemencia said she could not say how the civilian sustained the effects.
But she did have words for the US Marines. The Barracks is located right across the street from the fire. “Oh, they were awesome,” Clemencia said when asked about the cooperation of the US Marines across the street. “They got out of the way. Opened up, parted the waves for us. I have no complaints.”
The fire burnt the former Ugly Mug buidling, the adjacent Cellar Wines Building, and a third building in on the right. No word was immediately available on the status of Howl to the Chief (719 Eighth St. SE) as of publication. The Ugly Mug has been closed in October 2025.
Barred in DC reported on social media that nearby restaurant Rose’s Luxury was evacuated around 8:30 p.m.
As the smoke began to clear, a couple stood overwhelmed on the wet pavement as smoke drifted from the building that they call home —and where they also work. District Psychic Nicole Demetro has lived with her husband and three children on the second floor of 725 Eighth St. SE for more than fifteen years.
Demetro and her spouse said they had just left home mere moment earlier and were headed to the highway when a friend texted: “Oh, my god, are you okay? Your house is on fire.” The two left their children with family and rushed back. “All our things. My children’s toys. Everything,” Demetro said as she stood in the middle of Eighth Street, trying to look up into the windows on her family and work lives, until a fire official came to speak to her and her husband. The official drew them to the bottom of the stairs, where Demetro’s husband was overwhelmed by the smell of smoke.
Update: A gofundme has been created to help the Demetro family as they recover from the loss of their home. Contribute here.
Assistant Chief Clemencia said that weather could not be ruled out as a cause but would not speculate on cause when reporter Jasmne Styles of 7News referenced neighbors who told Channel 7 they had heardpopping noises or small explosions in the rear of the building.
“Everyone is safe,” Clemencia said. However, utilities had been cut in the area and it was unclear when power and water would be restored and business could return to normal. “Right now we are still on the scene and this is an active investigation,” Clemencia added, saying that firefighters were still checking for hot spots.
The 600 and 700 blocks of Eighth Street SE were closed to traffic indefinitely as of 10 p.m. Thursday night.
