1 dead, many displaced after three-alarm rowhome fire in Baltimore's Greektown community

BALTIMORE -- A person died and many were displaced after a large fire that spread to multiple rowhomes Monday evening in Baltimore's Greektown neighborhood, according to the Baltimore Fire Department.

Crews responded to the three-alarm fire shortly after 5 p.m. in the 300 block of South Newkirk Street. At least three rowhomes were caught in the fire, while about seven others sustained water and smoke damage, according to Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace.

The deceased victim was found in 308 S. Newkirk. Because of structural concerns, firefighters were stationed outside the home, looking in from the front and rear of the building. That person was located on the floor.

"This is tragic," Wallace said. "Anytime we have something like this, it's really tragic. Our people work hard to try and put these fires out and keep them from spreading. This appears to be one that had a head start on us and it took a lot of effort."

Earlier in the evening, firefighters were searching for the lone occupant of that home. It is not confirmed if the person found matches the description of the missing occupant.

As of Monday night, the fire is out and crews are trying to stabilize the structure to enter the home and retrieve the victim's body.

This fire displaced residents from eight to 10 homes. Wallace said more than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze.

"This fire was well deep-seated in the home. That large volume of fire always presents a challenge," he said.

Fire crews arrived within three minutes and called for additional alarms shortly after arriving. 

According to the dispatch call, heavy smoke covered the area, and the fire was rapidly moving. Firefighters first on scene also called for an emergency electrical response from BGE, according to the dispatch recording.

As firefighters worked to put out the blaze, they removed portions of the roof to extinguish fire in the attics and to let additional heat and smoke out of the building.

Wallace said the Red Cross was on site to assist those who were displaced.

"We do have a lot of residents displaced," Wallace said. "We are going to be here for several hours. We have a lot of different issues that we need to address. Traffic will remain affected in this area."  

Neighbors lined the street watching first responders put out the flames. Lilianna, a neighbor who lives just two doors down from where the fire started, described the terror her family felt as they quickly ran out of their home. She called it an indescribable evening.

"I panicked. I didn't even put shoes on," Lilianna said. "I have three birds in there. I don't think they made it, or things are in there. I don't I couldn't get anything. I don't even have my phone. I have nothing."

It's unclear how the fire started. 

Wallace said neighbors have camera footage at their homes that could help in the investigation.

Baltimore County Fire, Baltimore City Police, including the arson investigation unit, BGE, Office of Emergency Management, and the Department of Public Works also responded to the scene.

The Red Cross is assisting displaced families as of Monday night.