2-Alarm Fire Damages Vacant Rowhome in West Baltimore

Firefighters respond to early morning blaze, cause under investigation

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters are on the scene of a two-alarm fire that broke out at a vacant row home in the 2800 block of Norfolk Avenue in West Baltimore early this morning. A nearby resident reported smelling kerosene in the area prior to the fire, which may have been the cause.

Why it matters

Vacant properties are a persistent issue in many urban areas, posing risks of fire, crime, and blight. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Baltimore faces in addressing vacant and abandoned homes, which can serve as fire hazards and magnets for criminal activity.

The details

Firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire at the vacant row home early this morning. A nearby resident reported smelling kerosene in the area on recent occasions, which may have been the cause of the blaze. No injuries have been reported, but the fire caused damage to the vacant property.

  • The fire broke out early this morning in the 2800 block of Norfolk Avenue in West Baltimore.

The players

Jennifer Franciotti

A reporter for WBAL-TV 11 who spoke to a resident near the fire scene.

Unnamed resident

A woman who has family members living in the home next to the vacant property where the fire started. She reported smelling kerosene in the area prior to the fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My daughter's godmother said that there was a fire and there was smoke all in the house. She said, 'Come right now, 911.' I was like, 'OK, I'm on my way.' And when I got here, the kids were in the car with just their underwears on and their sleep clothes. And so I came as soon as I could.”

— Unnamed resident

“On Friday and Sunday, when I dropped the kids back off, I smelled kerosene, and I said, 'What in the world is that smell?' It was so pungent. That's what I believe is the cause of the fire.”

— Unnamed resident

What’s next

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of the blaze, and authorities will likely examine the vacant property and surrounding area for any evidence of arson or other suspicious activity.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the persistent challenges Baltimore faces in addressing vacant and abandoned properties, which can pose serious fire risks and other public safety concerns for nearby residents. Addressing urban blight and improving fire prevention in these areas remains an ongoing priority for city officials.