We may be freezing here in the District, but down the road, Baltimore is on fire -- literally. Two large fires broke out within hours of each other in the city.
A five-alarm blaze broke out in the adult-entertainment district on Monday at about 4 p.m. The blaze spread quickly and sent thick smoke billowing throughout downtown.
Battalion Chief Kevin Cartwright, a spokesman for the city fire department, said the fire began in a three-story building in the area known as “The Block,” a neighborhood of strip clubs with gaudy lights, including Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club and some historical theaters.
The fire then spread to five or six structures. More than 100 firefighters, paramedics, command and support staff helped fight the fire. It was eventually contained at about 7 p.m. and downgraded to a two-alarm fire.
Just hours later, another blaze broke out.
Early Tuesday morning a fire started in the city’s cultural district, tearing through two buildings. Officials said they were able to extinguish the flames. However, there was heavy damage to restaurants and offices.
Cartwright said the fire broke out in the 800 block of Charles Street at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and escalated into a five-alarm blaze.
Officials are investigating what caused both fires but do not think they are related.
