Operations at fire station temporarily suspended after possible exposure to coronavirus

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department announced Friday that operations at a fire station are temporarily suspended as a precaution, after employees may have been exposed to an EMS provider who received a positive coronavirus test result on Thursday.

According to fire officials, the fire station is located in the 400 block of McMechen Street in the Madison Park neighborhood.

“I commend Fire Chief Niles R. Ford’s decision to suspend operations at this time. Doing so protects the health of our firefighters and EMS providers, while continuing to provide essential services," said Mayor Jack Young.

Officials said the temporary suspension of the fire station protects the health of the residents served by the station, as well as the members of the fire department. Once the department was made aware of the positive coronavirus result by the provider at the station, steps were immediately taken to reduce both members and the community’s exposure, officials said.

“Temporarily suspending operations from this fire station is a precautionary measure for the agency. We are taking strides to protect our members and the community,” said Chief Ford.

Members of the station who were exposed are self-quarantining, officials said.

“I am confident that Chief Ford and his team are taking every precaution to avoid the possible spread of this virus,” Young said. “All of our residents need to remain vigilant, and can help our first responders by engaging in behaviors that limit the risks of exposure.”

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