"The safety of our guests, performers, and staff is our top priority. Due to approaching severe storms, Freedom 250, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police, National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and all public safety partners are asking all guests to evacuate event grounds and seek temporary shelter in a nearby building.  Available shelter locations include the Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, VOA Building, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, the African American Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Building. Please remain calm, follow the directions of law enforcement and event staff, and stay tuned to Freedom 250's official channels for updates.  Freedom 250 will share updates on programming and doors reopening — please stay close to our official channels for updates."  – Freedom 250 Spokesperson Danielle Alvarez

The U.S. Secret Service temporarily suspended checkpoint operations on the National Mall due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. Attendees already within the secure area are being directed to designated shelter locations by Secret Service personnel, U.S. Park Police and event staff. No one is being admitted at this time. This action was taken solely in the interest of public safety, and we have no estimate for when screening may resume. For further questions about programming, monitor @Freedom250

Box Alarm 1100 Blk First Place NW. 3 story vacant building w/ fire showing from the roof. Fire extinguished quickly. Fire Investigators alerted.

🚨 CHECKPOINTS CLOSED — SEEK SHELTER: Security screening on the National Mall has been suspended due to dangerous storms. If you are already on the grounds, follow directions from officers and event staff and move to shelter immediately. Do not shelter under trees. 🚨

SEVERE WEATHER: A severe thunderstorm is occurring near the National Mall. Seek shelter immediately. Do not wait. Follow instructions from event staff and public safety officials on site.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the District until 7:00 PM today, July 4, with heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 MPH. Go inside a sturdy building or shelter. Pull over and park in a safe place if driving. Get weather updates: alert.dc.gov.

Thunderstorms capable of bringing damaging wind, heavy rain and lightning are forecast to affect the District this afternoon (July 4). Know the difference between a weather Watch and a weather Warning to act quickly in a storm. 👀 Watch: Storms are possible. Prepare now and follow local weather news & AlertDC for more information. ⛈️ Warning: It is storming or about to storm! Move to a sturdy indoor shelter or pull your vehicle over to a safe place. Learn more about storm preparedness: ready.dc.gov. #dcwx #stormseason

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the District until 10:00 PM today, July 4. Heavy rain and high winds are possible. Take time to prepare. Visit ready.dc.gov for more.

On July 4th, 1944, Sergeant Joseph A. Carter Jr., Engine Co. 4, died in the Line of Duty from back injuries suffered on the fire ground at 2214 Georgia Ave NW. The injury took place October 19th, 1943 on Box 822. Never Forget.

Update: Working Fire - 1600 Block of Isherwood St NE 10 adults, one child, one dog displaced as a result of this fire. Cause of fire determined to be an accidental auto fire with extension to properties. @DCMOCRS and @RedCrossNCGC to assist impacted residents. No injuries

Update: Working Fire - 1600 Block of Isherwood Street NE Fire extended from vehicle to two row homes. All fire extinguished. One adult female evaluated, refused treatment transport. Photos and video courtesy of @DCFIREBYE

Box Alarm: 1600 Block of Isherwood Street NE Smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Automobile on fire, fully engulfed with extension to structure. All visible fire is extinguished. One person currently being evaluated for injuries.

Take time to learn about grilling safety tips as we prepare to celebrate this Independence Day weekend with friends, family, fun, and some good BBQ. Prevent fires before they start.

#BeatTheHeat with a few simple steps: drink lots of water, take breaks in the shade or A/C, and dress for the warm weather. Check in on neighbors and loved ones, and remember: never leave children or pets in a parked car. Learn more about staying safe in the heat at heat.dc.gov. #dcwx

Going downtown for July 4? Text DC250 to 888-777 for free event alerts from DC Government.

If you see someone suffering from an emergency or heat-related illness, call 9-1-1. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

DC is under an Extreme Heat Alert until Sunday, July 5, 2026. Daily temperatures can be 100+ with the heat index 105+ If you see someone suffering from an emergency or heat-related illness call 9-1-1. Sign-up for free weather/public safety alerts at alert.dc.gov

On July 2nd, 1900, Substitute Private Martin J. Niland, Engine Co. 7, died in the Line of Duty as a result of a collision between the apparatus and a street car at 9th & R Sts NW while responded to Box 232. Never Forget.

Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the heatwave, even if you're not thirsty. Find more heat preparedness tips and free places to keep cool: heat.dc.gov

The District has already had one firework related fire this week. Don't let this happen to you or your neighbors. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!