ATTN: Both the Cummings-MECU building and the Cummings Courthouse, are still without power after yesterday’s underground fire on Charles St.
These city buildings will be closed to the public & employees today. Impacted employees with the ability are being encouraged to telework.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) September 30, 2024
An underground fire at the intersection of Charles and Pleasant streets in Baltimore has caused power outages and street closures that lingered into Monday. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, is the third of its kind since 2018. Fire officials reported that flames were emanating from a manhole in the 300 block of North Charles Street.
The fire was extinguished by 8:30 a.m., but power outages persisted. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was taken to a hospital. No other injuries were reported.
🚨Game Day Alert 🚨
Due to an underground fire on Charles Street earlier today, some roads remain closed and traffic signals downtown remain impacted.
If possible, please use alternate modes of transportation like Light Rail and build in extra time.
Let’s go, Ravens! pic.twitter.com/NP5QN3m1jI
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) September 29, 2024
Local business owners expressed concerns about the recurring incidents and their impact on their livelihoods.
The ground beneath Baltimore sure does catch fire a lothttps://t.co/877zxub9rA
— Cody Boteler (@codyboteler) September 30, 2024
Shanea Shay, owner of Crazy Sweet Café, said, “I heard the loud boom; I came out and you could see the fire coming out of the manhole. It is impactful to my business, and I don’t know how long I can continue to survive like this.”
Why does the ground beneath North Charles Street keep catching fire?https://t.co/Pryqks7bEQ
— Julie Bykowicz (@bykowicz) September 30, 2024
Casey Jenkins, owner of Darker Than Blue Grill, described financial losses of about $10,000 due to spoiled food from the power outage.
“First and foremost, I would like for it to stop happening.
Underground fire impacts downtown businesses
Second of all, give us some information, tell the community what’s going on,” Jenkins said.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the damage caused by the fire to vital infrastructure. “A fire in a manhole at Pleasant and Charles caused damage to a primary feeder and secondary main,” Scott said. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) mentioned that multiple factors could be responsible for the recurring incidents, including an aging network, water and brine corrosion, steam leaks, and equipment failures.
At noon Sunday, BGE announced that approximately 2,200 customers were without power in the vicinity. Crews de-energized the electric system for safety reasons due to the fire. By 10 p.m. Sunday, BGE restored power to most affected customers.
Mayor Scott has called a meeting with BGE and several phone and cable companies to identify and address the root causes of the recurring issue. As of Monday morning, several street closures remained in effect, and the Baltimore City Mitchell, Cummings, and Juvenile courts were closed. The Cummings-MECU building also remains without power, and employees are encouraged to telework if possible.
The community awaits further updates and resolutions to prevent future occurrences of these disruptive underground fires in downtown Baltimore.
