By Mark Reutter
Baltimore Brew Online
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department was so undermanned during Monday’s five-alarm fire in Fells Point that Robert Maloney, director of the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management, took the unusual step of asking surrounding jurisdictions to send equipment to the city.
Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties rushed seven fire companies to the 500 block of South Broadway, where a vacant warehouse was burning out of control, while two companies from Harford County filled in at stations for companies fighting the blaze.
BCFD’s need for county units – and Maloney’s request for help made through the Maryland Emergency Management Administration – raises questions about how well Baltimore is prepared to handle fire emergencies as well as how deep the city should cut essential services. “This is how far we’re stretched right now,” asserted Rick Hoffman, president of Fire Fighters Local 734, who said the city cannot afford to close more fire companies.
Full Story: Mayor’s aide called on counties to help contain Fells Point fire