The Great Baltimore Fire began in a warehouse on the morning of February 7, 1904, quickly escalating into one of the largest urban fires in U.S. history. The fire's origins were traced to the Franklin Warehouse Company, where a spark ignited a fire that spread ferociously due to strong winds and the extensive presence of combustibles. Responding firefighters faced numerous challenges, including freezing water lines and inadequate firefighting technology. Within hours, neighborhoods were engulfed, and citizens evacuated under chaotic circumstances. By the time it was extinguished, the fire destroyed an estimated 1,500 buildings, including commercial and residential structures across the downtown area.

The inferno raged for approximately 30 hours, causing substantial economic damage estimated at more than $100 million, a staggering amount at the time. The local economy suffered greatly as key industries were affected, but it also prompted a swift governmental response to re-evaluate and reform building codes and firefighting tactics. Significant urban renewal efforts were launched in the aftermath, leading to the construction of more fire-resistant structures and improved infrastructure to combat similar disasters in the future.

In addition to spurring architectural changes, the fire highlighted the need for comprehensive emergency management systems within cities. It marked a pivotal moment that influenced urban planning and public safety efforts throughout the country in the early 20th century, establishing Baltimore as a case study for fire prevention and urban resilience.