Baltimore County firefighters rescued residents from balconies and windows at a high-rise in Towson Monday night.
Nine people were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The fire was sparked in a recycling area on the third floor of the Berkshires at Town Center Apartments Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon told WJZ.
Multiple ground and aerial ladders were used to rescue residents.
Due to the frigid weather, a passenger bus was sent to the incident so residents had a place to get out of the cold.
"Now we are just doing our due diligence and clearing the smoke because the smoke is also a hazard, and making sure there are no other surprises within the building," Dixon said after the fire was extinguished.
Due to the challenges, several volunteer fire departments also were dispatched to assist.
It's been a tragic start of the new year as three people have perished in separate fires. The victims included a six-month-old, a four-year-old and a 76-year-old.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.