BALTIMORE — Several streets remain closed on Sunday after an underground fire broke out on Saturday afternoon, but some relief is expected in time for Monday morning's commute.
WATCH: Some underground fire road closures to be lifted by morning commute
The fire was spotted when black smoke could be seen billowing out from four different manholes near E. Baltimore Street and Guilford Ave. just before 3 p.m. according to fire officials.
In case you missed it earlier today, @BaltimoreFire responded to an incident at Baltimore & Guilford. Smoke was coming from multiple manholes. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported and the cause is currently under investigation. pic.twitter.com/m1eWwqx0l8
— Baltimore Fire (@BaltimoreFire) June 29, 2025
The incident prompted several streets to close near city hall including: Baltimore Street from Calvert and Holliday Streets and Guilford Avenue between Fayette and Redwood Streets.
Baltimore Gas Electric crews were on the scene throughout Saturday evening and into Sunday making repairs, the area re-opened to pedestrians but not yet cars.
According to a BGE spokeswoman, Baltimore and South Streets should be open by 6 a.m. Monday morning. However, Guilford Avenue from Baltimore to Fayette streets will remain closed "until repairs are completed."
An update from @MyBGE:
— Blair Sabol TV (@BlairSabolTV) June 29, 2025
-Baltimore & South streets will re-open by 6 am Monday
-Guilford between Baltimore & Fayette streets will remain closed “until repairs are completed” https://t.co/VuxOn224LS
It's not clear when that may be at this time.
Baltimore DOT released an advisory Sunday evening encouraging motorists to use alternates routes to avoid congestion and delays. Live detour alerts are available through the Waze app.
Also according to DOT, "Transportation Enforcement Officers (TEO’S) will be deployed downtown to help facilitate the movement of traffic."
The fire did not cause any closures to the MTA subway line due to a pre-planned closure this weekend.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no injuries have been reported.
Baltimore is no stranger to these types of incidents. Last year, two separate underground fires beneath North Charles Street caused manhole explosions and thousands of power outages. First in January and later again in September.
The same block had experienced similar issues previously in 2018.
It's less than 1/2 a mile away from the most recent reported underground fire.