Metro Briefs

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Developer donates $1M to restore Mall

The family foundation of a D.C. developer is giving $1 million to help restore the National Mall’s grounds and facilities.

The nonprofit Trust for the National Mall announced the gift Monday from the Akridge Family Foundation. Group organizers said this is the first million-dollar gift for their restoration effort. The group was launched officially in 2007 and has set a goal of raising $350 million privately for the Mall. Sections of the Mall have become run-down from overuse and inadequate funding for maintenance over the years.

— Associated Press

MARYLAND

TAKOMA PARK

Woman dies from burns in apartment fire

A fire Monday killed a 56-year-old woman in Takoma Park, Montgomery County fire officials say.

The blaze started about 2:15 a.m. Monday, and firefighters found the woman badly burned when they arrived. She was being comforted by her granddaughter and was taken to a burn center. The woman died later from her injuries. Investigators are looking into whether a cigarette caused clothes and towels to catch fire, then ignite the victim’s clothing while she was in bed.

— Associated Press

DISTRICT HEIGHTS

Toddler dies after recent fire

A 2-year-old girl has died after she was rescued by firefighters from a burning home in District Heights last week, authorities said Monday.

Mariah Kendra Hood died Sunday at Children’s Hospital in the District. She was rescued early Friday morning from a second-floor bedroom of the burning home. When she was rescued, the girl wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. Firefighters performed CPR and took her to a hospital in critical condition. Officials say the fire was caused by unattended cooking and has been declared accidental. A smoke alarm alerted occupants of the house to the fire. Three adults and one child escaped the home.

— Associated Press