5 Acres Scorched In Baltimore Co. Brush Fire
HALETHORPE, Md. (WJZ) -- A fast-moving brush fire burns in southwest Baltimore County, dangerously close to vehicles and buildings.
Firefighters from three counties and Baltimore City battled the flames as they spread.
Monique Griego describes the tricky conditions firefighters faced.
From heavy winds to swampy conditions, firefighters faced a lot of obstacles.
Just after 5:30 p.m. Friday, a huge cloud of smoke hovered over Halethorpe after a massive brush fire broke out at the Southwest Area Park.
"Really thick smoke, it was really intense," said Justin Morgan.
"It was real bad, a lot of smoke. You could see the flames," said Ceaira Serio.
Heavy winds allowed fast moving flames to tear through more than five acres of brush. Baltimore County fire officials say swampy conditions also made it difficult for crews to get water on to hot spots.
"A couple of our brush units got stuck in the swamp. They were able to get out and still continue fighting the fire," said Lt. Paul Massarelli.
More than 100 firefighters from four departments responded. They rushed to stop flames from spreading to a nearby trucking company.
"There is an industrial area just to the north of it and the wind is blowing in that direction," Captain Jeff Long reported.
Sky Eye Chopper 13 was over the scene as flames threatened a trailer.
"Creep up the hill and we started to worry because there is a lot of industry over there," said Morgan. "We thought the truck trailers were going to catch on fire."
It took crews two hours to get things under control. And while acres were left charred, neighbors are thankful for what was saved.
"They're pretty quick to respond over here so I'm happy about that. Glad to see they got it out," said Patti Decker.
Fire officials say no injuries were reported.
Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties all helped in Friday's response.
