Home»BALTIMORE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT»INCIDENTS»2012 Fires and Incidents»1-Alarm 2623 E. Biddle St. 1-5-12

Baltimore City recorded its first fire fatality of the new year on January 5, 2012. Fire Box T15-4 was dispatched shortly before 9:00AM for a dwelling fire in the vicinity of East Biddle Street and Lakewood Avenue. As Truck 15 arrived, only a few blocks from their station, they reported heavy smoke from both floors of a 2-story middle of group dwelling at 2623 E. Biddle Street. Neighbors reported a person trapped inside. As the other companies arrived heavy fire broke out of the front and through the enclosed porch roof. A working fire was declared. First arriving Engine 51 made their way into the front and began knocking down the heavy fire. The fire also burned towards the rear of the first floor and up the stairs to the second floor. Most of the fire was knocked down within 20 minutes and as firefighters made their search they found an elderly woman dead on the first floor between the front and middle rooms.
The victim was identified as an 84 year old retired Baltimore City Elementary School principal. She had been retired for 30 years and had lived in the home for 50 years.
Working smoke detectors were found in the residence. It was also discovered that the gas and electric service to the house had been shut off. Officials didn’t know if she had mobility issues or if she was simply overcome by the fire and smoke. The following day it was reported that she had multiple stab wounds to her body and Police are now investigating it as a homicide. Fire Investigation and Police Arson are also investigating the fire to see if it was an arson connected with the murder. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have also been called in to assist in the investigation.