Massive Fire at Vacant Baltimore Warehouse Disrupts Amtrak Service

A raging fire at a vacant mattress warehouse in West Baltimore, Maryland, prompted a significant response from the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) and temporarily halted Amtrak train service in the area. The blaze, which erupted on the evening of May 12, rapidly escalated, drawing over 200 firefighters to the scene.

The fire’s location at Edmondson Avenue and Bentalou Street presented unique challenges for firefighters. The warehouse, confirmed by Fire Chief James Wallace, contained two subterranean levels, each reportedly packed with mattresses. This unusual structure necessitated a strategic approach to contain the fire’s spread, both horizontally and vertically.

The BCFD was alerted to the situation around 7 p.m. on May 12. Initial assessments led to the fire being classified as a 4-alarm event, quickly escalating to a 7-alarm designation as the severity became clear. The massive scale of the inferno and the potential for it to spread to nearby residential areas triggered immediate safety precautions.

Approximately 30 residents living near the warehouse were evacuated from their homes as a preventative measure. Local fire station offered temporary shelter to the evacuees while firefighters battled the blaze. To assist with the needs of the displaced residents, the BCFD requested support from the Red Cross, specifically to provide meals.

Chief Wallace described the firefighting strategy as an "exterior-only attack." The decision to refrain from entering the building was likely driven by safety concerns, given the building’s structural integrity and the immense heat generated by the mattress fire. Focusing on containing the fire from the outside, firefighters aimed to prevent it from spreading to surrounding structures.

The underground levels of the warehouse posed a particular problem. The expansive basement area, filled with highly flammable mattresses, fueled the fire and made it difficult to extinguish. Crews worked to cut off the fire’s advance, preventing it from traveling horizontally beneath the building and potentially undermining nearby structures.

The warehouse’s proximity to Amtrak train lines added another layer of complexity to the situation. The lines, which run alongside the warehouse, were temporarily deenergized overnight to ensure the safety of both firefighters and train operations. The interruption of Amtrak service affected a critical transportation corridor between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

As of 7 a.m. on May 13, the BCFD reported that the fire remained contained to the original building. While the immediate threat of widespread damage had been mitigated, firefighters were still actively engaged in battling hotspots and deep-seated fires within the warehouse. The ongoing efforts were being conducted with a "third alarm equivalent," indicating a sustained level of resources and personnel committed to the task.

Amtrak service was partially restored by morning, with trains running on a single track through the affected area. An Amtrak spokesperson acknowledged the disruption and informed passengers that delays of up to 20 minutes could be expected due to rail congestion. Amtrak apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary service suspension.

The route between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore is a vital component of Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, recognized as its busiest route nationwide based on 2024 ridership data. The impact of the fire on this heavily used line underscored the far-reaching consequences of the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. With the blaze contained and no injuries reported, the BCFD will now focus on determining the origin and circumstances that led to the massive warehouse fire. The investigation will likely involve examining potential sources of ignition and assessing any factors that may have contributed to the fire’s rapid escalation.

The incident served as a reminder of the dangers posed by vacant buildings, particularly those containing flammable materials. The BCFD’s swift response and strategic firefighting efforts were instrumental in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of nearby residents. The temporary disruption to Amtrak service highlighted the interconnectedness of infrastructure and the potential for localized events to have broader impacts.