Partial Evacuation Ordered After Underground Fire and Gas Odor Detected

BALTIMORE, Md. — A portion of an apartment building located on the 1200 block of Greenmount Avenue underwent evacuation early Thursday morning following the detection of an underground fire and a gas odor.

The Baltimore City Fire Department received reports of a grass fire outside the building shortly after 7 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the underground fire, which was accompanied by the smell of gas.

In response to the situation, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) was alerted, and residents living on the lower floors, along with those deemed more vulnerable, were evacuated from the premises. Other residents were advised to remain in their units and shelter in place.

To assist with the evacuation and provide shelter, the fire department requested the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to send buses to the site.

Emergency response efforts included personnel from the Office of Emergency Management and Baltimore police, in addition to the fire department and BGE. The Red Cross was also called to the scene to provide support.

Initially, elevated carbon monoxide levels were reported; however, these levels have since decreased. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the underground fire is currently under investigation.

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