In a frightening incident on Saturday, a fire and explosion occurred in the Southwest Baltimore neighborhood, prompting a swift response from the Baltimore City Fire Department. Officials suspect a natural gas leak and an overhanging power line as potential causes for the incident.

The Baltimore City Fire Department units swiftly arrived at the scene on the 1500 block of Ridgely Street in response to reports of an explosion. Upon arrival, they discovered visible fire emanating from the sidewalk and noticed an overhanging power line. The incident commander's initial assessment pointed to a natural gas leak in the vicinity of the fire.

Further investigation revealed that the explosion had taken place in a residential structure on Ridgely Street. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians involved in the incident.

Initially, the Baltimore City Fire Department speculated that the explosion may have been triggered by the electrical power line in connection with the natural gas leak. However, the exact cause of the fire and explosion remains undetermined at this point.

As the investigation continues, Baltimore City Fire Department units, along with the Office of Emergency Management, BG&E, and the Baltimore City building inspector, remain at the scene to assess the situation. They are diligently working to uncover the root cause of the incident and ensure the safety of the neighborhood.

Local residents and authorities are urged to exercise caution in the area as the investigation continues. Updates on the investigation and any potential safety measures will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore City Fire Department is commended for their prompt response in containing the fire and preventing further damage or injuries. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and regularly inspecting gas lines and electrical infrastructure to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Residents in the neighborhood are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or signs of gas leaks to the authorities immediately to prevent potential disasters.