Man Dies Trying To Save Dogs From Baltimore County House Fire

RANDALLSTOWN, MD — A 67-year-old man died Monday night in a one-alarm Randallstown house fire in a futile attempt to rescue his dogs, according to the Baltimore County Fire Department.

The victim was identified as Herbert B. Thomas Jr. of the 3800 block of Cherrybrook Road.

Fire crews arrived shortly after 10 p.m. and found flames coming from the front and rear of the home. The victim escaped the house, but then re-entered the burning home to search for his dogs.

Authorities said Thomas and two dogs were found together, all deceased, inside the home.

Baltimore County Police Department fire investigators ruled the fire accidental due to unattended cooking.

This is the fourth fire fatality in 2025 in Baltimore County.

The Baltimore County Fire Department reminds residents to always stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop and ensure burners and appliances are turned off before leaving.

Fire officials recommend residents to install and test smoke alarms in multiple locations throughout the home.

For more fire safety tips, visit the department's Community Risk Reduction page.