Just after 0500 hrs as members of Platoons number 3 and 4 shared coffee in-between shift change, the alarm was sounded for a report of a house on fire with a person trapped at 5213 East Capital St. SE. Engine 30 and Truck 17 responded as the first due engine and truck on the run. Moments later they arrived on the scene of a 2 story brick duplex with smoke showing from all sides and fire showing from the basement. Crews encountered multiple bystanders shouting that a bed ridden man was trapped in the basement of the home. With personnel from both shifts on the scene, Engine 30 stretched their 1 ½” attack line to the first floor along with the interior crew of Truck 17 consisting of the OIC and the barman. As the Driver and Tillerman from Truck 17 worked on throwing ladders and ventilating the building, the Hookman and Axeman proceeded to the rear entrance where bystanders begged for their neighbors safety. The team encountered heavy smoke issuing from the basement entrance with fire venting from the side windows. Engine 27 was the 2nd due company assigned to the rear but was still making their way down the snow filled alley. With a small window of opportunity to conduct a primary search for the trapped occupant the Hookman and the Axeman entered the basement, encountering high heat and zero visibility as they searched for the victim. Despite the best efforts of the men the heat was too much as all signs pointed towards an impending flashover, with the hookman receiving burns to his shoulder and ears trying to push forward. The 2 men exited the basement as Engine 27s lineman stretched their 1 ½” attackline into place. Engine 30s crew encountered high heat as well as they held the fire at the steps of the first floor. Engine 27 aggressively pushed into the basement followed by the members of Truck 17. All crews worked quickly and aggressively to knock down the large volume of fire. As crews pushed in the body of the trapped victim was located in the original fire room. The crews on the first floor handled some extension to the level and the assignment was soon scaled back to 2 Engines and 2 Trucks to assist the investigators. After the fire Truck 17’s Hookman was transported to MedStar hospital and will be kept overnight with second degree burns. Despite the fatal outcome of the fire, all members present operated in the highest tradition of the fire service as well as the DCFD.