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| Firefighter Nathan Flynn. Courtesy: Howard County Fire & Rescue |
CLARKSVILLE, MD (WJZ) —
A house fire in Howard County had nearly 100 firefighters responding to the 7-alarm blaze around 2 a.m. Monday.
One firefighter, Nathan Flynn, was injured and taken to the emergency room where he later passed away. Officials say the 13-year veteran of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services fell through the floor.
All three people who were inside the home at the time made it out safely.
Governor Larry Hogan tweeted out his condolences to Flynn’s “family, fellow firefighters, and loved ones.”
Hogan ordered the U.S. Flag and Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff effective immediately in honor of Flynn.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Howard County Firefighter Nathan Flynn, a 13-year veteran of the department, husband, and father who bravely ran toward danger to save others’ lives in a seven-alarm fire in Clarksville, Md. The First Lady and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to his family, fellow firefighters, and all of his friends and loved ones in the communities he selflessly served for over a decade.
“U.S. and Maryland flags will be lowered today through sunset on the day of his interment to honor this fallen hero.”
WJZ’s Mike Schuh said the smoke was so heavy at times that it was difficult to see people standing just a few feet away.
All of the firefighters were ordered out of the home as it was hosed down in what was called a defensive posture.
According to Maryland real estate records, the house belongs to Howard County politician Janet Siddiqui, who is running for County Council. Saddiqui is currently serving on the county school board.
There was a lightning storm in the area at the time but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.