BALTIMORE, MD—A five-alarm fire broke out in downtown Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon, September 2, sending thick smoke into the sky near the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street, officials reported. The Baltimore City Fire Department is leading efforts to contain the blaze, with assistance from multiple agencies, as the fire disrupts traffic and shuts down light rail service in the area.
The fire was reported shortly before 3:30 p.m. EDT, with the Baltimore City Fire Department posting an alert on X stating, “ACTIVE FIRE INCIDENT #bcfd is currently on the scene of an active fire at N. Howard St and W. Fayette St. Crews are working diligently to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Please avoid the area and updates will be provided as they are available.”
No injuries have been reported, but the scale of the response suggests significant challenges, with Fox45 News confirming the fire escalated to a five-alarm status.
Crews from at least one other jurisdiction, including an Anne Arundel County fire truck, are assisting, according to WBAL. The Maryland Transit Administration’s deputy administrator, Joe Davis, announced that light rail service is suspended in the downtown area, with a bus bridge implemented from North Avenue to Cromwell and BWI Marshall Airport to accommodate affected passengers. The fire’s proximity to key downtown routes has led to road closures, though specific streets were not detailed in initial reports.
Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze. The department’s efforts are focused on containment, with heavy smoke visible across the city.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott has yet to issue a formal statement, but the city’s emergency response teams are coordinating with multiple agencies to manage the incident. Residents and businesses in the vicinity have been urged to avoid the area, with potential disruptions expected to persist into the evening.
More in the videos below.
5-Alarm Fire Consumes Multiple Abandoned Buildings, Crews Search for People Reported Trapped Inside @CitizenApp
N Howard St & W Fayette St 3:02:50 PM EDT
Photo via Citizen App
