The Briefing
- A three-alarm fire tore through a historic former police precinct building in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore.
- Heavy fire broke out on the third floor; businesses inside evacuated safely.
- The cause is under investigation; crews worked for hours to extinguish hotspots and secure the structure.
Historic Structure Engulfed
In the early morning hours of November 11, 2025, firefighters in Baltimore were called to a blaze at the former police precinct building in the city’s Hampden neighborhood. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were already visible from the third floor, signaling a serious and quickly evolving fire incident.
The two-story building, originally designed as a precinct house decades earlier, had been repurposed for businesses. All occupants were safely evacuated without reported injuries.
Extended Firefighting Effort
Fire crews escalated the response to three alarms as fire spread quickly in the aged structure. High winds added to the complexity, fanning flames up the exterior and increasing collapse risk. Crews remained on scene for several hours, combating remaining hot spots and conducting thorough checks of fire extension.
The building’s vintage construction—wood framing, legacy finishes, and altered interior spaces—posed additional hazards for engine companies and ladder crews alike. Ladder operations and collapse zone awareness were prioritized.
Operational Lessons for Fire Departments
This incident serves as a strong reminder of the unique risks posed by older and repurposed structures. Key take-aways include:
Building age and construction type matter: Historic buildings often lack modern fire‐resistive features; fire spreads faster and collapse risk is elevated.
Wind and weather amplify danger: External conditions can turn a fire into a rapid-growth event, requiring quick escalation of resources.
Evacuation and occupant safety: Ensuring all individuals are clear before aggressively attacking the fire is vital—especially in mixed-use or business-occupied structures.
Post-fire operations: Hot-spot search, thermal imaging, structural integrity checks, and coordination with building owners are critical for full resolution.
About The MES Dispatch
The MES Dispatch, a publication of MES Life Safety, delivers frontline stories, insights, and lessons from fire, EMS, and law-enforcement incidents. Our mission: help first responders stay informed, prepared, and protected.