D.C. Fire and EMS spokesperson Pete Piringer says Hook restaurant sustained “pretty significant” damage as a result of a two-alarm blaze at the Georgetown seafood joint on Wednesday afternoon, adding, “I’m sure they’ll be closed for a while.”

That description somewhat differs from an earlier account given by a rep for the restaurant, who downplayed the alleged devastation as only “minor smoke damage.”

Piringer also tells reporters at the scene, “We believe [the fire] originated in Hook. ” Restaurant management, meanwhile, contends the blaze began outside in the back.

Firefighters received the call around 12:30 p.m. and arrived in the 3200 block of M Street NW to find “some pretty heavy smoke conditions,” Piringer says. “We did trace it back immediately to the Tackle Box and Hook restaurant,” he adds, citing heavy smoke primarily in the rear.

According to Piringer, nearly 100 firefighters were called to the scene. Authorities shut down M Street between Wisconsin Avenue and the Key Bridge. It took about 10 to 15 minutes to quash the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Piringer acknowledges some “collateral damage to the neighboring establishments,” including Saloun, but also notes that other nearby foodie destinations were spared.

“It’s not even close to Georgetown Cupcake – that’s one of the first places I checked,” he laughs.

With reporting by Carrie McCloud and Laura Bolt

Photo by Carrie McCloud