A man passed away after a fire in Carroll County Sunday afternoon that is under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal and Maryland State Police.
According to a release, just before 2:30 p.m. Ronald Joy, 62, and his wife, Kathy Joy, 56, were home in the 2700 block of Littlestown Pike when the fire occurred.
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Both escaped before Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company and surrounding fire departments arrived, however, Mr. Joy went back inside the home, hoping to locate family pets. Firefighters later located and rescued him inside the home. He was treated by EMS and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Mrs. Joy was also transported to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Deputy State Fire Marshals have determined the fire originated within the primary bathroom, and the cause remains under investigation. Smoke alarms were present; however, it has not been determined if they activated. A total of five dogs and an unknown number of cats were rescued or perished due to the fire.
“This tragic incident is a heartbreaking but real example of why going back inside doesn’t guarantee that you and your family will make it back alive. Get out, stay out. Have working smoke alarms and an escape plan in place,” stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci.
State fire marshal spokesperson Oliver Alkire told reporters with the Carroll County Times that there were animal hoarding conditions in the home that complicated operations for firefighters. About 30 firefighters from a number of stations responded.
