Brushfire Erupts Near Sheppard Pratt in Towson, Maryland

TOWSON, Md. — The Baltimore County Fire Department battled a brushfire late Saturday night on the grounds of Sheppard Pratt’s Towson campus, which ignited around 7:09 p.m. The fire took place in a wooded area behind the historic gatehouse, not far from the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Towson University athletic fields.

According to Tamara Chumley, a spokesperson for Sheppard Pratt, the fire posed no risk to any buildings or operations. “It is away from any of our buildings. No impact on operations, nor any patient concerns,” Chumley said.

The fire was largely contained within an hour, spanning approximately 1.5 acres. Firefighters worked diligently to control hot spots in the vicinity between Sheppard Pratt and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. “It was a wind-driven brushfire that required multiple pieces of apparatus to contain and extinguish,” said Lt. David Blenman, the fire department’s public information officer.

The incident prompted a significant emergency response, including nearly a dozen fire trucks, with assistance from volunteer companies that traveled from as far away as Pikesville. Due to concerns of water supply, crews were mobilized quickly to the scene, and northbound traffic on Charles Street was redirected.

Power outages were reported in the area just prior to the fire’s outbreak, though Lt. Blenman could not confirm if they were related. “It is not affecting us, and it is now contained,” stated GBMC spokesperson Krystina Wales.

Towson University spokesperson Sean Welsh described the fire as “not of any significance to Towson University,” emphasizing that no impact was felt on campus operations.

The incident coincided with red-flag warnings issued for several Maryland counties due to strong winds reaching up to 40 mph and dry weather, creating conditions favorable for wildfire spread. Emergency officials had warned residents to be cautious and avoid outdoor burning.

In addition to the Sheppard Pratt fire, Baltimore County also managed another brushfire near Harford and Notchcliff roads, which was extinguished around 8 p.m. Efforts to monitor the area for residual hot spots continued into the night.

As temperatures dropped sharply following a cold front that moved through on Saturday, residents were reminded to exercise caution when using any open flames, as the risk of fire was particularly high. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management had issued the red-flag warnings until Saturday night, advising that dry conditions and strong winds could lead to extreme fire behavior.

Baltimore County is actively preparing for colder weather by opening warming shelters from Saturday night through Tuesday to assist residents in need.