November 28th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Office of the State Fire Marshal, along with the Maryland State Police, are investigating the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a man in Carroll County Sunday afternoon. 

Just before 2:30 p.m. Ronald Joy, 62, and his wife, Kathy Joy, 56, were home when a fire broke out in the 2700 block of Littlestown Pike.  

Both escaped before Pleasant Valley Fire Department and surrounding 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

A joint investigation between the police agency having jurisdiction and the Office of the State Fire Marshal is standard operating procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs. Carroll County Sheriff's Office and Carroll County Animal Control also assisted during the investigation.