A massive five-alarm fire erupted in downtown Baltimore on Sunday morning, drawing an extensive response from over 240 firefighters and emergency personnel from multiple agencies. The blaze started around 9:26 a.m. at the intersection of South Lombard and Eutaw streets, close to Oriole Park, and quickly escalated due to heavy smoke pouring from corner buildings. Fire Chief James Wallace reported that crews were immediately deployed, leading to the rapid escalation to a five-alarm status by 10 a.m.
By early afternoon, the Baltimore City Fire Department announced that the fire had been placed under control, although crews remained on the scene to monitor for hot spots. Fire officials were unable to pinpoint the origin of the fire, which involved upwards of five businesses, including Thai Elephant Wok, Docs Famous Wings, and Jano Ethiopian Cuisine, as well as a residential building.
Damage assessments are ongoing, with officials noting “significant damage” to some structures while others were saved from further destruction. Firefighters utilized nine hoses and aerial master streams to combat the flames, with Baltimore Fire Station No. 1 located less than a block away facilitating a quick response.
Due to the ongoing fire scene, investigators have yet to enter the buildings to evaluate the extent of the damage. The streets surrounding the area, including Paca to Eutaw and Pratt to Baltimore, are closed to traffic, and residents are advised to use the Waze app for real-time updates.
Public transportation has also been impacted, with the Maryland Transit Administration suspending light rail service in the Central Business District and implementing a bus bridge from North Avenue to BWI Marshall Airport.
As the Baltimore Orioles prepared for their home game against the Tigers at 1:35 p.m., Fire Chief Wallace indicated that disruptions would likely continue into the game, as officials are in close contact with the Maryland Stadium Authority to manage potential impacts.
The community is grateful that no injuries have been reported amid this chaotic scene, as firefighters continue their efforts to ensure safety and control the aftermath of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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