Fans should use caution and allot for increased traffic in the downtown area if heading to this afternoon’s game. pic.twitter.com/1kxqOrGCIx
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 22, 2024
A massive five-alarm fire struck a restaurant in downtown Baltimore early Sunday morning, spreading to several other businesses and affecting four commercial buildings and an apartment unit. The blaze began at the Jano restaurant located on Eutaw and Lombard streets. Within 30 minutes of the initial call, the fire was upgraded to a five-alarm status, requiring the assistance of units from multiple jurisdictions to aid the Baltimore City Fire Department.
More than 200 firefighters responded to the scene. The fire impacted three other businesses: The Goddess, an adult entertainment club, Thai Elephant Wok, and Lombard Liquors. The Goddess suffered significant smoke damage, with many windows needing replacement.
#Traffic #Alert: If you plan to attend the Baltimore Orioles game #today, you may experience road closures due to 6-alarm fire that Baltimore City Fire Department is currently working in the area of S. Lombard St. and Eutaw St. pic.twitter.com/tOA9Sp3MGF
— Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) September 22, 2024
Owner George Kritikos, who has owned the building since 1992, was notably distressed by the incident. Kritikos mentioned that the building has historic value as it was once owned by Babe Ruth. “When he transferred from Boston to the Yankees, he bought this building for his father,” Kritikos said.
With the fire downtown now under control and close to being extinguished, I want to thank all of the fire crews from @BaltimoreFire and the surrounding jurisdictions who sent aid.
They leapt into action quickly and expertly and safely handled a very challenging scene.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) September 22, 2024
Fire devastates downtown Baltimore businesses
“The story is that he was here off-season, living up on the third floor and helping out his father. He had the bar downstairs.”
Businesses now have boards covering their windows and doors.
Kritikos noted the timing of the fire was particularly unfortunate due to the busy period associated with Orioles games. “That’s the most important thing for us, how quick can we get the place back open,” he stated. The owner of Lombard Liquors and the associated apartment unit reported heavy water damage but remained hopeful about repairs.
Nearby resident John Durant expressed frustration with the fire department’s proximity and response. Fire officials reported no injuries, and firefighters have since brought the blaze under control, although road closures in the area are expected to persist for some time. The fire, initially categorized as a two-alarm, rapidly escalated to a five-alarm as it spread.
The incident also affected traffic and temporarily shut down light rail stations in the Central Business District. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
- WBALTV.”Business owners assessing damage from large fire in Baltimore”.
- BaltimoreSun.”‘By God or by Babe Ruth:’ Businesses condemned, temporarily closed after 5-alarm blaze in downtown Baltimore”.
- WBALTV.”Massive 5-alarm fire strikes restaurant in downtown Baltimore”.