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Modified 20-May-22
Created 10-Feb-22
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On Thursday, February 10, 2022 Fire Box 14-60 was dispatched at 0922 hours for a reported building fire located in the 100 block of South Willard Street in the Shipley Hill neighborhood of southwest Baltimore. As Engine 36 approached the scene they reported heavy smoke showing from two large brick buildings in a former brewery complex. As units arrived the fire was actually in a 2-story building in between two multi-story structures. A working fire was sounded followed by a second alarm a few minutes later. The buildings have been vacant for many years and due to neglect were in very bad condition with deteriorated walls and overgrown with trees. Exterior operations were ordered from the start. Ladder pipes were set up in the front and on an adjacent street in the rear to keep the fire from spreading into the 4-story and 5-story buildings on either side of the fire building.
About 45 minutes into the fire fight the roof collapsed into the building. Firefighters continued pouring water into the building and into the exposures. Firefighters entered the 4-story building on the B side to check for any extension.
There were some problems with low water pressure in the area which necessitated a third alarm which was struck out at 0947 hours. Units continued to pour water on the structures and the fire was placed under control at 1104. No injuries were reported.
The complex was home to the former Eigenbrot Brewary which was founded in 1873. Their business expanded and the original building was remodeled and upgraded in 1896.Three new structures were added in the following decade. The company remained prosperous until Prohibition crippled the industry and put it out of business in 1920. These buildings are excellent examples of German Brewery architecture.
After the closing a moving and storage company took over the property and was last reported owned by a furniture distribution company. It has since been abandoned and has been boarded up for many years being left to the elements of nature.
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