BALTIMORE — Firefighters faced a significant challenge as they tackled a large, wind-fueled brushfire at a wood recycling facility in Baltimore. The incident prompted the closure of a portion of the expressway leading into downtown, affecting the nearby light rail service and disrupting several roads and local schools on Friday morning.
The Baltimore City Fire Department was summoned to the Camp Small yard, where towering stacks of trees and logs reached about 30 feet (approximately nine meters) high, shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday. Fire Chief James Wallace informed the public during a briefing that crews encountered a rapidly developing fire consuming a large area covered with trees and logs.
“When they arrived, they found a fast-moving blaze engulfing a substantial pile of wood debris,” Wallace noted. “The scene involves large amounts of trees, logs, stumps, and similar materials.”
Approximately 100 to 125 firefighters were engaged in fighting the blaze, which posed additional difficulties due to the strong winds aiding the flames. Wallace mentioned that once crews gained more control over the fire, they intended to employ heavy machinery to establish a containment line around it.
“It’s extremely difficult for us to stay ahead of the flames,” Wallace added.
By Thursday night, firefighters had begun to turn the tide, and by Friday morning, the fire was reported to be under control.
Due to smoke from the incident, air quality in several parts of the city reached a moderate level, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment. Residents particularly sensitive to air pollution were advised to limit outdoor activities.
John Marsh, spokesperson for the Baltimore City Fire Department, announced that the smoke was diminishing, paving the way for the reopening of Interstate 83, which connects downtown Baltimore to northern regions. By 9 a.m., officials confirmed that both northbound and southbound lanes had resumed normal operations.
In light of the situation, two local high schools were closed on Friday, as per Mayor Brandon Scott’s comments during the briefing. Additionally, fireworks planned for an annual celebration in downtown Baltimore were canceled on Thursday night.
Despite the extensive firefighting efforts throughout the night, Marsh reported that no injuries had been recorded as the blaze spread quickly, primarily due to the weather conditions and the large volumes of dry wood present.
The recycling yard is known for housing logs, branches, and other tree waste collected by city crews from Baltimore’s streets, parks, and sidewalks. Much of this material is processed into lumber and mulch or sold to local contractors.
Marsh described the fire, saying, “It was the largest bonfire I’ve ever witnessed.” The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, although officials have not provided an estimated timeline for when it will be completely extinguished.
