Numerous roads in downtown Baltimore are closed and power to some businesses and residence is shut off due to an underground fire, according to a news release from the Baltimore Department of Emergency Services.
Early Sunday crews responded to the 300 block of North Charles Street for reports of an underground fire with multiple manholes emitting smoke and a possible manhole explosion, according to the release. Crew observed numerous manholes releasing smoke from their covers and one emitting fire.
Threats to the public have been mitigated, the release says.
According to the release, power to businesses and residences in the area was shut down to assist in extinguishing the fire.
The outage affects the area of Lexington, Mulberry, Saratoga, Calvert and Sharp streets. The Baltimore City Fire Department posted on the social platform X around noon that road closures include Charles Street north of Fayette Street and south of Franklin Street, as well as Saratoga and Lexington streets east of Liberty Street and west of St. Paul Street.
All of the traffic lights in the area were out Sunday around 11:30 a.m., with some cars blowing through intersections. Road closures were blocked by cones, as well as vehicles from Baltimore Police, the Department of Public Works and the Maryland Department of Transportation.
In the commercial area commonly known as Charles Plaza, the majority of businesses, such as Streets Market & Cafe and the Charles Street 7-Eleven, were dark, even if they had signs illuminated. Foot traffic was light in the normally busy area, with some people walking in the middle of the street. Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. crews were posted along the side of the road.
Last week, another Sunday fire downtown drew a response of over 240 personnel from numerous agencies. No injuries were reported.
This article will be updated.