Partial Evacuation of Baltimore Apartment Due to Underground Fire and Gas Odor

BALTIMORE, Md. — An incident involving an underground fire and gas odor led to a partial evacuation of an apartment complex located on the 1200 block of Greenmount Avenue early Wednesday morning.

The Baltimore City Fire Department responded to the scene shortly after 7 a.m. after reports of a grass fire near the building. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire beneath the ground, which was accompanied by a noticeable gas smell.

In response to the situation, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) was alerted, and residents living on the lower floors, as well as those deemed more vulnerable, were evacuated from the building. Other residents were instructed to remain in their units and shelter in place until further notice.

To assist with the evacuation, the fire department requested the Maryland Transit Administration to provide buses for temporary shelter for the displaced residents. Emergency personnel from the fire department, BGE, the Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore police, and the Office of Emergency Management were all present at the scene.

Additionally, the Red Cross was called in to offer support to those affected by the evacuation.

Firefighters reported that while carbon monoxide levels were initially elevated, they decreased as operations continued. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and an investigation into the cause of the underground fire is currently underway.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News Baltimore (source).