News Summary
A three-alarm fire erupted at a commercial laundry business in Northwest Baltimore early Thursday morning, with firefighters responding promptly. The flames escalated quickly, leading to significant damage and the collapse of the building’s roof. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but nearby residents faced temporary disruptions. Investigators are currently working to determine the cause, while the local community rallies to support the affected business.
Baltimore, MD –
A three-alarm fire broke out at a commercial laundry business in Northwest Baltimore early Thursday morning, with firefighters responding to the scene around 5 a.m. at the intersection of Sunnyside and Nome avenues. The fire escalated rapidly, prompting a third alarm to be issued shortly before 5:30 a.m.
Firefighters immediately began efforts to contain the flames, fighting from the outside due to concerns about the building’s stability. Witnesses reported seeing flames that reached higher than a three-story structure, creating a chaotic scene that startled nearby residents. The fire was primarily contained to the main building, which was confirmed to be a laundry establishment.
No injuries have been reported in relation to this incident, however, neighbors expressed concerns about a car lot adjacent to the fire site, fearing possible ignition of nearby vehicles. Firefighters were on the scene for much of the day, working tenaciously to extinguish lingering hot spots.
Fire Response and Community Impact
Local resident James Brook described the immense heat from the blaze that he felt in his home while observing the situation. The Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson highlighted the challenges faced due to the tight urban setting, which includes numerous residential and commercial buildings nearby. Some local residents experienced temporary disruptions in water and power service, and several roads surrounding the area were closed during firefighting operations.
As efforts continued to address the fire, it was noted that the roof of the commercial laundry building eventually collapsed. This incident is part of a troubling trend for the city, as it follows another significant fire less than a week prior—a five-alarm blaze that damaged two large buildings and resulted in the collapse of a smaller structure.
Investigation Underway
Currently, the cause of the fire is under investigation. An arson unit along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is involved in looking into the origins of the blaze. Fire officials noted that all fires are treated as potential crime scenes until evidence suggests otherwise.
Community Response and Support
The operator of a nearby laundry service expressed deep sorrow over the extensive damage done to the commercial laundry business, describing the situation as years of hard work turned into “burnt fabric, charred machinery, and fallen bricks.” Despite the adversity, the operator has received substantial support from the community and has pledged to continue paying employees during this challenging time. Other local businesses have offered assistance in the planning of a rebuild.
The recent events bring to light Baltimore’s ongoing struggle with vacant buildings, which number over 12,000 across the city. Residents and officials alike have been working towards addressing this chronic issue, striving to create safer community environments.
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Additional Resources
- WBAL: 3-alarm fire in laundry business
- CBS News: Commercial laundry building fire
- WMAR: Three-alarm fire breaks out
- Google Search: Baltimore three-alarm fire
- Baltimore Sun: Laundromat roof
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
