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.

"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."

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.

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."  

It's unclear how the fire started. 

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