Towson Two-Alarm Inferno Tears Through Top Floors, Forces Dozens Out

A two-alarm fire ripped through the top floors of two buildings at a Towson apartment complex on Wednesday evening, displacing roughly two dozen residents and sending thick black smoke into the air as neighbors watched from the street. Firefighters worked to keep the blaze from jumping to nearby units while crews attacked flames chewing through the upper stories.

What officials say

Baltimore County firefighters were called to the 100 block of Versailles Circle around 6:15 p.m., where flames and heavy smoke were reported on the buildings' upper floors, according to The Baltimore Banner. Len Stewart, a spokesperson for the Baltimore County Fire Department, told the outlet that about 10 to 12 apartment homes were affected and that roughly 20 to 30 people had been displaced. The Banner also reported that the regional chapter of the American Red Cross was on scene, helping residents with emergency shelter and basic needs while crews worked.

Towson's recent fire history

This is not the first time Towson residents have been chased from their homes by flames this year. A three-alarm blaze in January at the Berkshires at Town Center sent multiple people to area hospitals, according to CBS Baltimore. That earlier high-rise fire triggered questions about building safety systems and highlighted how difficult it can be to evacuate large multistory complexes during fast-moving incidents.

Relief and next steps

Volunteers and Red Cross caseworkers were on hand to help the newly displaced residents with temporary housing, food and clothing while county crews checked apartments for smoke and water damage, according to The Baltimore Banner. The American Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region outlines on its site the emergency sheltering and recovery services it provides to people affected by fires, including shelter, supplies and casework support. County officials did not immediately release further details about injuries or a possible cause as firefighters and inspectors cleared the scene.