DC Metro partially suspends service due to fire, smoke problems

Service on Washington’s Metrorail has been suspended between the L’Enfant Plaza and Eastern Market stops due to problems with smoke and fire, officials said Thursday.

{mosads}The Orange, Blue, and Silver lines are not running between those stops in the city’s center and near Capitol Hill. A track fire, caused by debris, and a smoke problem blamed on an insulator at Federal Center SW, caused the shutdown.

The Federal Center and Capitol South stations will be closed for the rest of the day.

Shuttles are running between L’Enfant Plaza and Eastern Market.

The incident occurred on the eve of the agency releasing a massive new maintenance plan to address persistent safety issues that itself is likely to cause more disruptions, delays and partial closures.

Metro shared a picture of new insulators being delivered to Federal Center SW Thursday evening. 

New insulators being delivered at Federal Center SW. Every insulator at the station will be replaced. #wmata pic.twitter.com/qEYkhMR2b4

— Metro (@wmata) May 5, 2016

In consultation w/USDOT/FTA, Metro GM has ordered Fed Ctr SW remain closed for rest of today for full 3rd rail insulator replacement. #wmata

— Metro (@wmata) May 5, 2016

Federal Center SW: MTPD and DCFD on scene. Earlier smoke incident. Expect station to remain closed until further notice. #wmata

— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) May 5, 2016

Federal Ctr SW: Confirming NO injuries. Service suspended btwn Eastern Market & L’Enfant Plaza UFN. Use alternate routes if possible #wmata

In addition, Metro’s red line also faced delays Thursday during rush hour due to a train malfunction at the Tenleytown station in the northern part of the city.

– Updated at 8 p.m.