Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
November 7, 2025
November 7, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

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JOSH LONSTEIN / PHOTO EDITOR

The News-Letter documents the fire in Remington and provides live updates.

The News-Letter is providing live coverage of the fire at West 23rd Street, Remington.

Nov. 7, 2025

4:10 p.m.

An affiliate of The News-Letter near the fire reported some palm-sized pieces of debris visible in the air at the Wyman Park Building and on the ground along Howard Street. Face masks were handed to people in the area to mitigate the effects of the smoke. 

3:17 p.m.

Students in proximity of the fire reported receiving an alert calling on everyone in the area to leave immediately. 

2:58 p.m. 

In an email sent to affiliates in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the department updated students and faculty on current instructions and guidelines regarding working indoors. 

“At this time, we have not been instructed to evacuate, and it remains safe to continue working indoors. Please be aware that individuals who are sensitive to smoke may experience irritation or coughing. If you are affected, you may use your discretion to complete your essential work and leave early today,” the department wrote.

2:37 p.m.

In an interview with The News-Letter, senior Shaan Shabbir recalled his experience with the fire after commuting back from the School of Medicine. 

“After I got off the JHMI, I started smelling smoke, and after walking to my apartment, I saw a heavy load of smoke, followed by swarms of messages about the fire. One of my friends mentioned how he needed to use his inhaler. For me, this was quite shocking, even though I’m used to fires from California. I never expected to experience something like this,” Shabbir commented. 

2:25 p.m.

A fire was reported to continue at 2230 Hampden Ave.

In a statement to The News-Letter, the University confirmed that Public Safety is aware of the situation, recommending all students to follow any upcoming RAVE alert emails.

“Public safety is aware [of the situation], and they may have additional updates later. In the meantime, people should follow public safety directions from the RAVE alerts,” a University spokesperson wrote. “While this is not a Hopkins building, given the location and proximity, it is a great concern to our community.” 

2:07 p.m.

Students across the Homewood campus have reported their first-hand experience with the fire. In buildings, students have reported being relocated from smoke-filled areas to adjacent classrooms. A student in Krieger Hall expressed that their room was filled with smoke, but they were told to move rather than canceling class.

In an interview with The News-Letter, sophomore Ziyan Liu explained how the fire interrupted her class, Research Methods in Psychology.

“We were in section when we smelled burning, and concerned, our professor called public safety, who told us to stay put and they [would] send someone to investigate. Later, we were moved from [Krieger] to Ames, but the smoke was just as bad,” she wrote. “While I appreciate how highly education is valued at [Hopkins], I am concerned that sometimes the health and well-being of students are not prioritized.”

The News-Letter continues to document the fire from the Wyman Park Building.

JOSH LONSTEIN / PHOTO EDITOR

2:02 p.m.

The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) confirmed on an X post that the firefighters are working to take the fire under control.

“BCFD is currently on the scene of an active fire at the 400 block of W 23rd Street,” the department wrote. “Crews are working diligently to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Please avoid the area and updates will be provided as they are available.”

Baltimore City firefighters have since evacuated the building and nearby areas. The Maryland Transit Administration has detoured buses heading to the area until 5 PM.

No injuries or damages have been specified at this time. 

One student, junior Nia Barkley, class of 2027, discussed her perspective on the fire as a student who resides close to the incident. 

“The fire is super [dangerous, and] I’m nervous for those who suffer from asthma, weak lungs, and children. I pray that God will protect everyone in the surrounding area,” she wrote. 

1:52 p.m.

Allegedly due to a propane tank explosion, a three-alarm fire broke out in a commercial building in Remington, West 23rd St., North Baltimore – 2230 Hampden Ave. In an interview with The News-Letter, students living in Nine East 33rd reported witnessing a “giant black explosion” and smoke clouds. One of these students, senior Sarp Kayabas, expressed his concern.

“I just watched it blow over the whole campus,” he said.

The News-Letter documented the fumes arising from the fire from the Wyman Park Building.


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