A wildfire erupted next to an interstate road in Baltimore, engulfing the Woodberry neighbourhood near a wood recycling plant in Maryland.

Motorists wacthed the massive brush fire, which quickly spread due to strong winds on December 5.

Footage shows the intense flames consuming trees, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air.

The filmer said: 'This is the largest fire I have ever seen, and it isn't close.'

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace described it as the largest fire he has encountered in his career.

'The challenges are that it's a wind-driven fire, it's a very deep-seated fire, and we are very limited in access, so our tactics have to somewhat change,' he said.

Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze and are expected to remain on the scene overnight and into Friday.

The fire has caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of light rail services between Falls Road and North Avenue. Traffic on I-83 Southbound at West Cold Spring Lane (Exit 9A) has been heavily affected, with three lanes blocked.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said: 'The fire is not under control, but the strategy is working. We are gaining ground and having an impact on this fire.'