Massive Fire Erupts at Mattress Warehouse in West Baltimore

Firefighters tackle a seven-alarm fire at a mattress warehouse in West Baltimore.

News Summary

A large seven-alarm fire broke out at a mattress warehouse in West Baltimore, prompting a significant response from the Baltimore City Fire Department. Over 200 firefighters are currently fighting the blaze, which has caused disruptions in the area and displaced 15 households. Residents are being advised to stay away due to heavy smoke, while investigators look into the cause of the fire. No injuries have been reported as city agencies collaborate to manage the crisis.

Massive Fire Erupts at Mattress Warehouse in West Baltimore

In a dramatic scene that unfolded on a Monday evening, the Baltimore City Fire Department found itself battling a seven-alarm fire at a mattress warehouse located at the busy intersection of Edmondson Avenue and Bentalou Street. Firefighters were called to the scene just before 7:00 PM, with the first units arriving at 6:58 PM to face heavy fire and thick smoke pouring from the building.

Firefighting Efforts Intensify

As the fire raged on, the situation quickly escalated. A fourth alarm was raised by approximately 7:22 PM, and as firefighters struggled to bring the blaze under control, the alarms climbed to a total of seven. Currently, over 200 firefighters are on site, working tirelessly to combat the flames. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported amidst the chaos.

Impact on Community and Transportation

Neighbors in the area are being urged to steer clear of the vicinity due to intense smoke that has begun to affect visibility in the surrounding northwest side of the city. The Maryland Department of Transportation has also updated commuters, mentioning that MARC trains have been impacted, and for those using Amtrak, service between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. has been temporarily paused as well.

To add to the challenges faced, the Maryland Department of the Environment has advised residents to keep their windows shut and to avoid inhaling any smoke from the fire, reinforcing safety precautions as the city grapples with this outbreak.

Red Cross Assists Displaced Residents

In light of the fire’s destruction, 15 households have been temporarily displaced. The Red Cross has stepped up to assist these families, arranging hotel accommodations to ensure they have a safe place to stay while the city works through the aftermath of this incident.

Fire Chief Provides Insights into the Blaze

Fire Chief James Wallace explained that the brazen fire is originating from two basement levels stacked full of mattresses, making it a particularly tricky situation due to its deep-seated nature. Firefighters are primarily launching their attacks from the exterior of the building to manage the challenges posed by the size of the structure and the persistent heavy smoke.

Investigation Underway

There are whispers of a potential cause of the fire involving a vehicle that may have driven into the warehouse, but that detail is still under investigation. Moreover, firefighters are grappling with water supply strains due to the extensive firefighting efforts in this residential area. They’ve had to source water from larger nearby mains to keep the operations going.

Residents on Bentalou Street were relocated from their homes to allow firefighting crews access to the fire. While some have been reporting explosions or booms in the area, fire officials have yet to confirm the source of these sounds.

Collaborative Response from City Agencies

This incident is a remarkable testament to collaboration. Mayor Brandon Scott described the response as an “all-hands-on-deck effort,” highlighting the teamwork among various city agencies. The Baltimore Police Department’s helicopter unit has also been dispatched to conduct aerial reconnaissance, checking for any signs of potential structural collapse, though at the moment, no imminent danger has been reported.

As the night continues, fire officials are gearing up for a prolonged firefighting effort, indicating that battling this massive fire could take quite some time. This blaze follows an earlier incident in the day that left two firefighters injured in a separate downtown fire, underlining the demanding day faced by Baltimore’s brave firefighters.