A seven-alarm warehouse fire in Baltimore has significantly disrupted Amtrak train service along the busy Northeast Corridor between New York and Washington, DC, while firefighters continue battling the blaze from the outside due to dangerous conditions.

Amtrak Delays Continue, Service Partially Restored

Amtrak reported that train service has been restored on one track, but delays of around 30 minutes are expected throughout Tuesday as recovery efforts continue. Service on the MARC Penn Line resumed late Tuesday morning on a limited Saturday schedule, the Maryland Department of Transportation announced.

Firefighters Hold Ground, Prioritize Safety

The fire broke out around 7 p.m. Monday at a vacant multi-story mattress warehouse near the West Baltimore commuter rail station. Due to the structure’s instability and the presence of highly flammable material, Baltimore Fire Chief Wallace made the decision not to send firefighters inside.

“I was very adamant I was not putting my people inside,” Wallace said, emphasizing safety.

So far, no injuries have been reported.

Building Collapse Concerns, Evacuations Ordered

The large brick building, which includes multiple underground levels and a water tower on top, is now the subject of an extensive demolition plan. Wallace said building engineers are on site assessing the risks.

About 30 residents were evacuated from nearby homes. The Red Cross and local agencies are assisting them with temporary hotel accommodations.

Dense Smoke and Water Supply Challenges

Firefighters described the fire as producing tremendous smoke, making it difficult to visually assess the interior. The fire’s location in a residential area complicated water supply efforts due to limited-capacity water mains, requiring crews to bring in extra water apparatus.

“Our fire flows have exceeded a lot of what the water grid has,” Wallace noted.

The warehouse’s proximity to active train tracks also hindered the firefighting strategy. Fire crews had to coordinate with Amtrak to shut off electrical power lines before attacking the fire from that side.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire remains unknown. A full investigation will be conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with support from the state fire marshal’s office and city fire and police departments.

Mayor Praises Response Efforts

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott commended the first responders for their tireless work, calling the effort “all hands on deck.”