BALTIMORE, MD (December 7, 2019) — Council President Brandon M. Scott has been closely following the situation in Southwest Baltimore where at least 17 fires have broken out since Monday, December 2, including two this weekend.
“This is an extremely concerning situation affecting our City,” said Council President Scott. “I have been in contact with Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles Ford, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, Ms. Cynthia Tensley of the Carrolton Ridge Community Association, along with Councilmembers Bullock and Reisinger about these terrible incidents. We will continue to work alongside our agencies and community partners until this issue is resolved.”
These fires have impacted Mount Clare Junction, Carrollton Ridge, and other communities in Southwest Baltimore. Five of those fires have been ruled arson by investigators. The fires have occurred at the following locations:
- 2400 block of Christian St.
- 500 block of S. Bentalou St.
- 200 block of Furrow St.
- 300 block of Furrow St.
- 1900 block of Ramsey St
- 2000 block of Frederick Ave
- 1900 block of Wilkens Ave
- 2026 W. Pratt St.
- 1928 Wilhelm St.
- Wilhelm Street and South Payson Street
- 1804 McHenry St.
- 1900 Ramsay St.
- 2114 Wilhelm St.
- South Calhoun Street and McHenry Street
- 1400 McHenry St.
- 299 S. Pulaski St.
- 2005 McHenry St.
- 2008 Eagle St.
- 303 S. Gilmor St.
- 316 S. Calhoun St.
- 415 S. Smallwood St.
The Police Department has made an arrest in this case, but the investigation is ongoing. To ensure the public has the necessary information, the City Council Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to investigate the recent spate of fires and the agencies’ response. The hearing will take place Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 5:00 pm.
“The Public Safety Committee will conduct a thorough review of the situation, seeking reassurances that the Fire Department’s handling of this public safety emergency is adequate and that the affected communities have the resources they need," said Public Safety Chair Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer. "I will also ask about the Police Department’s role in the investigations."
The Council President will continue to provide updates as he receives them.
