Video shows kids playing with illegal fireworks that sparked 2-alarm apartment fire

WASHINGTON — The Office of the Fire Marshal for D.C. is asking for the public's help to identify two young people seen on surveillance video playing with illegal fireworks. The video shows two kids playing with roman candles outside the Oxford Manor Apartment complex on Tuesday.

DC Firefighters determined those fireworks sparked a massive fire at the complex moments later. While investigators with DC Fire and EMS have initially ruled the fire accidental, the fire marshal's office shared the video Thursday in hopes that someone knows the young people. 

Firefighters arrived on the scene in the 2600 block of Bowen Road to find flames shooting out of the top of the four-story building.

"It was spreading rapidly. The stability of the building became in question. The attic was burning, the roof was burning," Vito Maggiolo with the DC Fire and EMS told WUSA9. He said more than 100 firefighters responded to the scene. 

One person had to be rescued by firefighters. In all, 76 people and several pets were displaced by the blaze.

A day later, DC Fire officials said the fire was caused by fireworks.

“We all enjoy fireworks, but many of us do not realize how dangerous they can be,” said Fire Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. “This is a terrible tragedy for the residents whose lives have been disrupted because someone else was not safe with fireworks. Please be safe with fireworks. Only legal fireworks outside and away from people and buildings.”

Anyone who recognizes the young people in the surveillance video is asked to contact the fire marshal's office at 202-673-ARSON or submit a tip online here.

It is not yet clear what charges the kids will face in this case since the fire was classified as accidental. 

"First we have to identify the individuals. The age is going to be part of the determination of what the charges are," Donnelley said. "There's obviously an illegal use of fireworks charge that can start at a $50,000 fine. But it's classified as an accidental fire, so once we get all the evidence together we'll have to make that decision."

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