Baltimore, MD — A tragic blaze escalated to a five-alarm inferno in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood early Tuesday, claiming the lives of a couple and ravaging multiple homes. The catastrophe left several residents without homes, prompting community and external aid efforts.
Fire crews were summoned to the 3400 block of Keswick Road around 5:30 a.m. where they encountered a voracious fire engulfing the rooftops of connected row houses. The rapidly spreading flames ultimately damaged at least eight homes. Authorities later confirmed the fatalities as 63-year-olds Matthew and Kathy Schmale, while dozens of other residents faced displacement.
John Marsh, a spokesperson for the Baltimore Fire Department, detailed the scene: “Upon arrival, a working fire was in progress, consuming three homes fully on both floors.”
Beyond the extensive property damage, the human toll included several injuries with one individual requiring hospital treatment for minor wounds. Early in the incident, concerns grew as a family reported two members unaccounted for, later found deceased, ramping up the urgency of the rescue operations conducted by the fire and police departments.
Witness Cara Bates described the terrifying sight, “The entire sky turned red. It was absolutely surreal and frightening.”
Local response has been heartening amidst the tragedy with displaced individuals receiving support from within the community. One affected resident shared that upon being roused by her smoke detector, she found solace through a neighbor’s immediate offer of refuge, noting a heartfelt surge in communal support.
Further assistance poured in from the Red Cross and various local groups, coming together to discuss long-term support strategies for those affected by the disaster.
The origin of the fire remains under investigation, leaving unanswered questions amidst the ruin.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed the city’s condolences and commitment to recovery efforts: “Our city mourns the loss of two cherished members of our community. We extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. Baltimore stands ready to support all victims of this calamity in their time of need.”
This incident highlights not only the unpredictability of such disasters but also the resilience and unity of communities in times of crisis, rallying to rebuild what was lost. The ongoing investigation will seek to uncover the cause of the fire, providing closure and potentially preventing future tragedies.