Wind-driven brushfire at Baltimore wood recycling yard causes closures and evacuations

BALTIMORE (AP) — A massive wind-driven brushfire at a Baltimore wood recycling yard has caused chaos, leading to closures and evacuations in the area. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, which has disrupted traffic, schools, and public events in the city.

Firefighters battle raging blaze

The fire broke out at the Camp Small yard, where stacks of large trees and logs reach about 30 feet high. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace described the scene as a rapidly evolving fire in a large pile of trees and logs, making it a challenging situation for the 100 to 125 firefighters on site. The flames were fueled by high winds, making it difficult for the crews to get ahead of the fire.

Containment efforts and impact on the city

Despite the challenges, firefighters managed to gain control over the blaze by Thursday night, with the fire being contained by Friday morning. However, the air quality in parts of the city was still affected by smoke from the fire, prompting warnings from the Maryland Department of the Environment for sensitive individuals to avoid outdoor activities.

Interstate 83, which had been closed due to the fire, was reopened as the smoke began to dissipate. Additionally, two nearby high schools were closed, and a planned fireworks display in downtown Baltimore had to be canceled due to the ongoing situation at the recycling yard.

Recycling yard operations and investigation

The recycling yard, known for processing tree waste from city streets, sidewalks, and parks, plays a crucial role in Baltimore’s waste management system. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials yet to provide a timeline for when the blaze could be fully extinguished.

Despite the extensive damage caused by the fire, no injuries have been reported, thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the firefighters. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in industrial settings to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

As the city works to recover from the impact of the brushfire, residents are urged to stay informed about any updates and precautions issued by local authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.