Underground fires likely caused by aging infrastructure, Baltimore officials say
Three underground fires in the past 18 months have prompted the city of Baltimore, Md., to launch an investigation, CBS News reported. City officials have met with several public safety agencies, and have hired engineering firm RTI to dive deeper into what’s been causing the fires.
Most recently, on June 28, a fire was sparked underground at a city intersection. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) cited extensive steam damage to underground systems.
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen said that they are aware of aging infrastructure such as conduit and pipes, combined with rising summer temperatures, have likely caused the incidents.
According to CBS News, Baltimore's Public Safety Committee this week gathered several agencies to discuss the city’s infrastructure and further investigate the fires. Participating agencies included the Baltimore City Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Transportation, Office of Emergency Management and BGE.
DOT officials said they will work together with BGE to determine any improvements needed to upgrade the conduit system. DOT referenced a 2023 settlement agreement between the city of Baltimore and BGE, under which BGE will invest more than $120 million into the conduit system over four years.
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