(The Associated Press circulated the following on January 1.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A small fire in a basement food court forced the evacuation of Union Station on Tuesday, delaying the departure of several trains but injuring no one.
A fryer used to prepare french fries caught fire Tuesday afternoon, filling the area with smoke, said D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter. The concourse reopened to passengers about an hour later, after the smoke dissipated, but the food court remained closed Tuesday evening.
The fire caused little damage, Etter said.
Four Amtrak trains were delayed leaving Union Station, railroad spokeswoman Karina Romero said. Another was held outside until the station reopened.
The grandiose gateway to the capital is served by Amtrak, two commuter railroads and the Washington subway.