As if the rampant sign vandalism wasn't enough, the Associated Press reports that three recent bathroom fires inside bathrooms at the recently renovated Woodrow Wilson High School have caused $150,000 in damages. more ›

The incredibly hot weather is obviously not helping when it comes to fires in the city: in addition to two fires that broke out inside apartment buildings at the Watergate and along 16th Street NW last night, D.C. firefighters responded two more large blazes this morning. more ›

With the temperature rising around the District this week, surely some may be tempted to go old school and crack open one of the city's fire hydrants in search of some refreshment. But the city is getting an early start on reminding residents that they would really prefer it if you let the hydrants be. This morning, we got the usual reminder from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water that resident residents who tamper with the city's hydrants are potentially to blame when firefighters are unable to find a working water supply. more ›

Good morning, D.C. and welcome to the slow week between Christmas and New Year's, where the only thing you have to do is make sure you have plans for New Year's Eve. Since you're likely going to be stuck at your desk with little to do, be sure to check back with DCist regularly for news updates and cool features to make your work day a little more fun. more ›

Good morning, District. As the world turns its attention to Copenhagen for UN climate talks that seek to shape the global debate about planetary climate change, District residents have a few opportunities to affect change at a local level. For some in this media-rich town, that charge is read as a challenge to generate the most counter-intuitive angle possible on climate change. Our own disgraced climatologist George Will wins that game, with a lede to his column in yesterday's Washington Post that asserts that the one-time carbon cost associated with jet flights to Copenhagen outweighs the monumental and lasting change that delegates there could affect. more ›

This week marks National Fire Prevention Week (and yes, the campaign has a blog). Considering the timing of Friday's fatal fire in Georgetown, it seemed a good idea to pass on word from the folks at the D.C. area Ace Hardware co-operative (Logan Hardware, Glover Park Hardware, Tenleytown and 5th Street) that they are offering to replace your smoke detector batteries this week for free. Now through Oct. 10, stop by any of the local Ace locations with your used 9-volt alkaline battery and exchange it for a new one, gratis. The stores will take care of recycling your old batteries. more ›