Firefighters put out a fire at La Bonne Vache. Photograph courtesy DC Fire and EMS.
French bistro La Bonne Vache in Georgetown was destroyed in a fire last night after the restaurant had closed. DC Fire and EMS Department reports that an electrical panel caught on fire, but the blaze was contained on the first floor of the three-story building. Photos and videos from the scene show the charming dining room in disarray with blackened walls, broken windows, overturned tables, and smoky debris. No one was injured, however two adults living upstairs were displaced.
Final Update: Working Fire – 3200 Block of Prospect St NW
@PepcoConnect has disconnected utilities to the structure.
No injuries as a result of this fire.
Two adults displaced and are being assisted by @DCMOCRS and @RedCrossNCGC.
Units going in service shortly. https://t.co/jvHcSg1Ot6
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) October 19, 2026
In a brief text message to Washingtonian, co-owner Ari Wilder said they were “trying to wrap our heads around everything while prioritizing staff.” He said he was trying to deal with insurance while his wife and partner Claire Wilder set up a GoFundMe to support staff.
In an Instagram post, La Bonne Vache shared that the fire occurred while the team was closing the restaurant for the night. DC FEMS says it received a call at 9:34 PM and firefighters were on the scene within two minutes. Exactly what caused the electrical panel to catch fire is under investigation.
“It’s every restaurant owner’s worst nightmare to get a call that your space is in danger,” La Bonne Vache posted on Instagram. “But more than anything, we are so unbelievably thankful that no one was hurt. Buildings can be repaired, things can be replaced, and we will rebuild and reopen.”
This is the second restaurant fire in recent weeks: The Royal suffered some damage earlier this month after a fire broke out on the roof of a vacant apartment above the Shaw restaurant. It has since reopened.
This story is developing and will be updated.
Food Editor
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind DC’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
Dining and Cooking