Malloy News Brief: DC Daycare Gas Leak
Bitter cold has gripped the DC area as we approach the new year, and buildings across the DMV are putting their furnaces, water heaters, and HVAC systems through their paces. The longer cycles and chilly ambient temperatures often compound minor existing problems with furnaces and heating systems into catastrophic failures which always seem to come at the worst possible times. A recent incident in Northeast DC has demonstrated the community consequences of heating system malfunctions. Today’s Malloy News Brief will provide the full report on a DC daycare gas leak which resulted in an evacuation.
Malloy News Brief: Northeast DC Daycare Gas Leak – 12/16/25
Just after 1 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) responded to a reported exterior gas leak on the 1800 block of New York Avenue Northeast. Adding to the potential risk, the adjacent building to the one experiencing the gas leak was a daycare.
In a textbook example of crisis mitigation, the daycare was evacuated without incident. The children were held on a warming bus owned by the DC Fire Training Academy while waiting for their parents or guardians to arrive and pick them up. According to DC Gas, the leak came from a gas line damaged by an unidentified third party. No injuries were reported.
Malloy Law salutes the unidentified vigilant individual who reported the gas leak. Public safety, especially of our children, should be everyone’s concern.
Lessons for Area Homeowners
This incident can and should serve as a wake-up call for all area homeowners and other property owners to stay on top of regular maintenance to their heating systems. Serious, often expensive issues can be prevented with proactive intervention by HVAC professionals. If you’re unsure how long its been since your furnace, water heater, or gas lines have been serviced, it’s probably time.
A Note On Landlord Negligence
On the Malloy Law Offices blog, we’ve previously warned DMV area renters to beware of negligence on the part of their landlord or property management firm. This may extend to premises liability concerns, such as icy exterior sidewalks and stairs. But HVAC maintenance, if neglected, can result in catastrophic fires.
If you believe your landlord is acting negligently, one of the most important steps you can take is to create a clear written record. Documented communication can be critical when establishing negligence. Keep copies of emails, letters, maintenance requests, or text messages between you and the landlord or property manager. Remain professional and courteous, but consistent in following up. Clearly explain the issue, note when it was reported, and track how the landlord responds. If you later decide to pursue legal action, these records can provide valuable evidence for your attorney and help demonstrate a pattern of inaction or disregard for tenant safety.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered property damage due to an HVAC failure linked to a landlord’s negligence, Malloy Law Offices can help. Our experienced legal team will review the details of your situation at no cost and explain your options for pursuing compensation. We work to recover damages for medical expenses, property loss, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Reach out to Malloy Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.