2/2/22 - Baltimore, MD - Cliftview Ave

Around 0700 hours mutual aid companies were making their way to city stations for coverage so members of the Baltimore City Fire Department could attend the funeral of 3 fallen firefighters who were tragically killed in a row home fire on January 24 on S. Stricker Street in West Baltimore. This would be the first time in 225 years that the entire Baltimore City Fire Department would be out of service. Fire departments from across the Baltimore-Washington DC metro area converged on the city and manned every station with Fire & EMS coverage. While this was occurring, at 0708 hours, Box T5-40 toned out sending Baltimore City Engines 6, 31, 33 (RIT), 13, 4, Truck 5, Tower 1, and Battalion Chiefs 2, 4 to 1303 Cliftview Street for a dwelling fire. Due to some mutual aid companies having not reached their destination, the first alarm companies were from Baltimore City, however, mutual aid units took in the box as well. Truck 5 arrived with heavy fire showing from the first floor of a 2 story, middle of the group, dwelling. Engine 6 secured a hydrant on the corner of Cliftview & Sherwood where lines were stretched to make an interior attack. Burtonsville Engine 715 and Kentland Engine 833 arrived with first due companies and lines were stretched from these companies as well. Due to the fire extending to the second floor and thru the roof, Battalion Chief 2, who initially took command, requested all companies evacuate. Additional mutual aid Battalion Chiefs arrived and took over command. Companies used handlines to darken down the fire before re-entering and mopping up. The fire was placed under control in about 45 minutes with units remaining on the scene for overhaul and investigation. Strangely, four minutes before the box came in, Truck 5 had been sent to a medical call at this exact location. It is if this was related to the fire in any way.