Howard County Fire officials say the 7 alarm touched off around 2:30 Monday morning at a 7,000 square foot home located in the 7000 block of Woodscape Drive. The fallen firefighter has been identified as Nathan Flynn, a 13-year veteran of Howard County Fire and Rescue Services. According to Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, Flynn was a resident of Harford County.
Three people managed escape the home. Initially, firefighters entered the large home, but unable contain the blaze in the large home and retreated outside to begin a defensive battle. Holes were punched into parts of the roof to allow an escape for smoke. At least one firefighter was pulled from duty and transported to an area hospital. Just before 7 a.m. Howard County officials reported that a firefighter has died from his injuries. Flynn had fallen through the floor of the home while battling the blaze. Governor Larry Hogan has ordered flags to be flown at half staff to honor Flynn, a 13-year veteran of the Howard County Fire and Rescue Services. It's believed the blaze was possibly caused by a lightning strike. On Twitter, the governor said he was "incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of a Howard County firefighter as he bravely worked to save others' lives."
Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County, Montgomery County and Carroll County fire crews assisted in fire fighting efforts.
