More than 200 firefighters worked tirelessly to control a large fire that erupted at a warehouse in west Baltimore. The blaze disrupted Amtrak service and led to the evacuation of dozens of nearby residents.
The fire broke out at a multistory mattress warehouse located at the intersection of Edmondson Avenue and Bentalou Street around 7 p.m. on Monday. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy flames and smoke. As a precaution, about 30 residents living close to the warehouse were evacuated for their safety.
By Tuesday morning, the fire was contained to the warehouse, but firefighters were still dealing with hot spots and deep-seated flames in various areas of the building. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials are still investigating how it started. Fire Chief James Wallace mentioned that both city and state officials are involved in the investigation, and he has requested assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) due to the fire’s significant impact. Wallace noted that the ATF has extensive resources that could help determine the cause of the fire, especially since it disrupted rail service.
The warehouse appears to have sections that were in use, while other parts may have been vacant. However, details about the building’s history are still unclear. Chief Wallace remarked that this was one of the largest fires the city has faced in years, requiring seven alarms to bring in additional resources like aerial ladders and increased water flow.
The warehouse is situated near railroad tracks, which led to the temporary halt of Amtrak service between Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Although service was restored by Tuesday morning, it was limited to one track, and Amtrak warned passengers to expect delays throughout the day. Additionally, the Maryland Transit Administration canceled MARC commuter rail service on its Penn line due to concerns over the potential collapse of the building onto the tracks. Service was later resumed on a modified schedule, but delays continued.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are focused on ensuring safety and understanding the circumstances surrounding this significant fire.