Mayor’s Office Update: Fire at Camp Small Update

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 12/06/24

Fire Under Control, Coldspring Lane between I-83 and the Woodberry Apartments Remains Closed, Residents and Commuters Still Encouraged to Avoid the Area When Possible

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, December 6, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott issued the following update regarding the fire at Camp Small. 

As of Friday morning, December 6, 2024 the Baltimore City Fire Department, with support from Baltimore County Fire, and city and state resources had fully contained and controlled the three-alarm fire located at Camp Small, 2101 W Old Cold Spring Lane. 

While the fire is not yet out, significant progress has been made and initial damage assessments suggest minimal property damage to Camp Small. Additionally, damage to surrounding critical infrastructure, including the BGE substation, light rail infrastructure, nearby schools, and apartment buildings was entirely avoided. 

At one time during the incident, there were 22 engine companies assigned to the fire with over 120 firefighters, EMTs, and support teams. The City brought in significant amounts of heavy machinery from multiple agencies to help respond to the fire. 

There were no reported injuries and no evacuations. While BGE did provide notice to residents that power outages in the area were possible, power was able to be maintained throughout the area. 

Here is what residents need to know:

• I-83 has reopened for traffic in both directions, though the Coldspring exits in both directions remain closed.
• Coldspring Lane between the I-83 on-ramps and The Woodberry apartment building remains closed to traffic. 
• The Light Rail remains closed between North Ave and Falls Rd. Shuttle bus service is in place to transport riders between the affected stops.
• Poly-Western was closed on Friday December 6, 2024 and Medfield Heights Elementary released at 12:00 PM due to air quality concerns. City Schools is working to address air quality in the Poly, Western, and Medfield Heights buildings. 
• Commuters should still try to avoid the area as it is still an active emergency response scene.