Monday, July 23, 2012 At 2230 hours Engine 82 and Chief 8 were alerted to 1205 Benning Rd, in Company 17's area, for smoke in the apartment.  Engine 83 arrived first and along with T26 investigated smoke and an electrical issue with an appliance. After isolating the issue the assignment was scaled back to 1 and 1.  This however didn't end it as even with appliance disassembled smoke was still evident throughout the cockloft and in the building.  As Engine 8 and Truck 26 were the only ones left, the crews dropped ceilings and walls trying to find the origin.  Eventually several areas of roof joists were found burning due to electrical issues going back to the electrical panel and were extinguished by the crew from 8.  Units picked up and returned in just over 2 hours.