Elderly Man Dies In Windsor Mill House Fire

WINDSOR MILL, Md. (WJZ) — An elderly man was rescued from a house fire in Windsor Mill Monday afternoon but then died of his injuries, Baltimore County Fire officials said.

The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. on Ridge Road. At least a dozen fire engines were called since the area does not have fire hydrants.

Firefighters battling the flames were forced back because the heat was so intense it caused ammunition in the home to pop off, officials said.

"It appeared to be ammunition. So we don't know that for a fact because we weren't able to lay eyes on it, but for the sounds, it appeared to be ammunition," said Nicholas Tyson with the Baltimore County Fire Department.

The man suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. He later died.

The fire was so intense neighbors initially thought it began inside their homes. When they went outside, they saw the tragedy that was unfolding.

"We didn't know what was happening until we saw him get pulled out," neighbor Le Pettipaw said.

The victim has not been identified but WJZ has learned he lived in the home with his wife, who was out of town at the time. The couple's pets haven't been seen since the flames broke out.

"He's a sweet man," Pettipaw said. "He would give you the shirt off his back, and then some. He would do anything for you, both of them would. Very, very sweet couple."

In:
• Maryland
• Fire
• Baltimore County