Fire crews from several counties rushed this afternoon to tackle a large brush fire in the Phoenix area of Baltimore County, after flames broke out near Green Road and triggered a mutual-aid response as units worked to bring the blaze under control.
According to WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5, WBAL-TV Sky 11 Capt. Roy Taylor flew over the scene today and reported that crews from Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and York County in Pennsylvania had converged on the area. WBAL noted there were no reports of injuries while firefighters continued to battle the brush fire.
Multi-county response is nothing new
When brush fires threaten wooded areas or nearby infrastructure in the Baltimore region, calling in the neighbors is pretty standard procedure. A recent account of a 20-acre blaze in Cockeysville-Timonium described how a sizable response was needed, and WMAR reported a Woodberry brush fire that drew in more than 100 firefighters and dozens of engine companies. Those earlier incidents highlight how quickly brush fires can grow and why departments routinely stage resources together across county lines.
What residents should know
People who live or travel near the Phoenix fire area should steer clear of the scene and follow directions from emergency officials; if you see smoke or flames, call 911 from a safe location rather than trying to check it out up close. The EPA notes that smoke from wildland fires can affect air quality and health, and the CDC/NIOSH advises staying indoors during periods of heavy smoke and using proper respirators if you cannot avoid exposure. Anyone with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and young children should limit outdoor activity and keep an eye on local air quality reports and official updates.
WBAL reported that it will update its coverage as more information comes in, and we will update this story if county officials release additional details.
