Massive fires took place at a wood recycling site in Baltimore’s Woodberry neighborhood, Camp Small, on Thursday evening; massive and fast-moving. Combined with high winds the fire has proved to pose critical challenges for the firefighting teams.
The blaze, reported at around 5:15 p.m., has drawn over 100 firefighters and resources from neighboring counties. Fire Chief James Wallace described the situation as a “dynamic, wind-driven fire” and noted that firefighters were in “defense mode” due to limited access to the site. Camp Small, a zero-waste facility operated by the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks, has stacks of logs and wood chips up to 30 feet high, intensifying the flames.
By late Thursday, the fire was still not under control, but progress had been made. “We’ve gained an upper hand, but this remains a challenging fire,” said Wallace during a press briefing. Emergency crews continue to monitor embers that could ignite spot fires nearby.
The fire caused the closing of Cold Spring Lane and Interstate 83 in both directions between the Northern Parkway exit and Druid Park Lake Drive. Light rail service was suspended between Falls Road and North Avenue for precautionary reasons. Shuttle bus services are available for commuters.
In addition, city officials have canceled the fireworks display at the Washington Monument holiday lighting ceremony, citing strain on emergency resources.
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School will be closed on Friday as firefighters continue their efforts. No injuries have been reported, but authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Brandon Scott thanked emergency workers for their efforts saying, “This city cares to ensure safety and resume operations in that area as normal as possible.”.
To Read More: Global