Severe Storms Spark 4-Alarm Fire at Curtis Bay Warehouse

A four-alarm fire erupted at a Sherwin-Williams warehouse in Curtis Bay on Saturday evening, likely triggered by a lightning strike amidst severe thunderstorms sweeping through Baltimore. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. at the facility located at 1631 Filbert Street.

Firefighters from the Baltimore City Fire Department responded with more than seven fire trucks and ambulances to the scene. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, although several firefighters received treatment for heat exposure.

Fire Department Chief James Wallace indicated that witnesses reported seeing and hearing a lightning bolt strike the warehouse, which led to the fire's ignition. As the blaze intensified, it caused mini explosions from solvents and paint materials stored inside the building.

By 11:10 p.m., firefighters had successfully contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes. The fire's smoke was visible from blocks away, prompting the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management to advise residents and drivers to steer clear of the area.

In addition to battling the fire, the department faced multiple emergency calls related to flooding in the area caused by the storms. Chief Wallace noted that as conditions worsened, another fire was reported on Boston Street, requiring additional resources to be dispatched.

The severe weather that day had already caused significant disruptions, leaving approximately 70,000 residents without power across Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties, as reported by Baltimore Gas and Electric.

As the fire raged, local residents expressed concern about the potential impact on nearby homes, with thick black smoke billowing into the surrounding neighborhood.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).