On Tuesday afternoon, a massive fire broke out in downtown Baltimore, causing one building to collapse and two four-story structures to catch fire. The blaze, which has been classified as a five-alarm fire, is currently being fought by over 100 firefighters. The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) confirmed the incident is occurring near North Howard and West Fayette streets, in the heart of the city’s downtown area. As of 4:40 PM, crews are still working to contain the fire, with fire officials utilizing exterior attacks using ladder pipes and large monitor pipes to manage the situation.
Authorities have not yet entered the buildings due to their instability, and all three structures are believed to have been vacant. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has requested that the public avoid the area to ensure safety. The incident is being investigated by the Baltimore Police Department’s Arson Unit, the Baltimore Fire Investigation Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), indicating a significant focus on potential arson motives. This follows a series of recent violent incidents in the city, including a mass shooting and a homicide investigation, which have further raised public concern and added to the existing tensions in the city.
Around the incident area, several notable landmarks are located, including the Hippodrome Theatre, CFG Bank Arena, and the University of Maryland’s Baltimore campus. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management have reported the closure of Light Rail train service. In response, a bus bridge has been extended from Falls Road to Patapsco Light Rail Station, and bus route detours are in effect. These measures aim to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of the public. The ongoing investigations and emergency responses reflect the complex and urgent nature of the situation in Baltimore.