Early Sunday morning, a five-alarm fire ravaged the Jano restaurant in downtown Baltimore, spreading to several neighboring businesses and drawing an emergency response from more than 200 firefighters. The massive blaze, which began at the intersection of Eutaw and Lombard streets, quickly escalated from a two-alarm to a five-alarm fire, prompting assistance from units across multiple jurisdictions to support the Baltimore City Fire Department.
Fire’s Impact on Local Businesses
The fire affected four businesses in total, including Jano, The Goddess adult entertainment club, Thai Elephant Wok, and Lombard Liquors, causing severe damage to the establishments. Many of the windows and doors are now boarded up, and extensive water and smoke damage has been reported.
George Kritikos, the owner of The Goddess, expressed his shock upon hearing the news. “Somebody I know called me, and he told me my building was on fire. It’s a nightmare that you hope you never have to face, but it happened,” said Kritikos. He added that the building holds significant historical value, having once been owned by the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth, who lived in the building during the offseason and helped his father run a bar on the first floor.
John Durant, a nearby resident, witnessed the fire and described his frustration when the flames erupted. “I walked next door, and I was screaming at the fire department like there’s a fire literally next door to you,” he said.
Response and Aftermath
The Baltimore Fire Department acted quickly, but the fire spread rapidly, shutting down light rail stations and affecting traffic in the downtown area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to fire officials.
As the cleanup begins, business owners like Kritikos are anxious to resume operations, particularly during this busy time with the Orioles’ season drawing large crowds. “That’s the most important thing for us, how quick can we get the place back open,” he said.
Efforts are now underway to assess the damage and begin repairs.
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