Baltimore: Major Fire Damages Historic Building in Mount Vernon

Baltimore: Major Fire Damages Historic Building in Mount VernonBaltimore: Major Fire Damages Historic Building in Mount Vernon Baltimore City Fire Department responded to a major fire early Saturday morning that caused extensive damage to a historic building in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of North Calvert Street. According to the fire department, the flames quickly spread through the vacant building, which had been used as an office and retail space. Crews battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. No injuries were reported, but the building sustained significant structural damage, including a collapsed roof. The building, known as the Hamilton House, is a three-story brick structure that was constructed in 1845. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, which is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building had been vacant for several years and was undergoing renovations. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is believed that the building will need to be demolished. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Baltimore City Fire Investigation Unit. “This is a very unfortunate event for the Mount Vernon community,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “This historic building was an important part of the neighborhood’s character, and we are saddened to see it lost.” The mayor added that the city will work to support the neighborhood during this time and that the fire department is committed to investigating the cause and preventing similar incidents in the future.