At approximately 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, D.C. firefighters responded to the scene of a fire at The Reformer Building, located on the 1200 block of U Street NW. The massive response included a large ladder, and forced a closure of U Street during rush hour.

We here at DCist headquarters are currently enjoying a brief respite from the rain, but Prince George’s County is battling hard to try and get out from under some serious flooding.

After yesterday’s earthquake, an acquaintance of mine quipped on Facebook, “If ever there’s an emergency evacuation of Washington DC, everyone will die except those riding bikes.”

The Post reports that several buildings along Massachusetts Avenue NW had to be evacuated this afternoon, after a construction crew hit a gas line and caused a high-pressure leak. Authorities have temporarily closed Massachusetts between 9th and 12th Streets NW. Drivers and pedestrians would be best served to avoid the area this afternoon, if possible….