BALTIMORE (AP) — A large warehouse fire in west Baltimore drew more than 200 firefighters Monday night, forcing evacuations, halting train service, and raising concerns of a potential building collapse onto nearby railroad tracks.
The fire broke out around 7 p.m. at a multi-story mattress warehouse near Edmondson Avenue and Bentalou Street. Fire crews arrived to find the building engulfed in flames, prompting the temporary evacuation of about 30 nearby residents, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department.
Although the fire was largely contained by Tuesday morning, firefighters continued to battle stubborn hot spots within the structure, said department spokesperson John Marsh. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Fire Chief James Wallace said the origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. He has requested assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) due to the scale of the incident and its impact on rail infrastructure.
“The ATF brings significant resources, and given the magnitude and the disruption to rail service, it’s appropriate that we involve all necessary agencies,” Wallace stated during a Tuesday news briefing.
Parts of the warehouse may have been in use, while others appeared vacant, but officials have not yet confirmed the building’s history.
Wallace noted the scale of the fire was unlike anything the city has seen in years. “It reached seven alarms,” he said, explaining the need for heavy water flow and aerial support.
The warehouse backs up to rail tracks used by Amtrak and the MARC commuter line. Amtrak suspended service Monday night between Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., due to safety concerns. By Tuesday morning, service resumed but was limited to one track, with significant delays expected throughout the day.
The Maryland Transit Administration also canceled MARC service on the Penn Line Tuesday morning out of caution. Service resumed midday on a modified Saturday schedule, though extended delays continued.
