Officials say he went back inside the rescue a family pet. 
RInggold, Md (KM) One person died following a house fire in Washington County early Thursday morning.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says at around 2:21 AM, 50 fire fighters responded to 14, 510 Barkdoll Road in Ringgold which is northeast of Hagertown., and spent 30-minutes bringing the flames under control.
Officials say six of the seven occupants of the home escaped unharmed. But one person who lived in basement of the home went back inside, hoping to rescue a family pet. While putting out the flames, fire fighters located the victim on the exterior porch of the home. Investigators believe he got out through the basement door, and collapsed.
His body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for determine his identity. . Deputy Fire Marshals say the fire originated on the exterior front porch.
“This tragic incident is a heartbreaking but real example of why going back inside doesn’t guarantee you and your family will make back out alive,” says State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci, in a statement. “Get out, stay out. have working smoke alarms and an escape plan in place.”
Fire fighters from Washington, Frederick, Franklin and Adams Counties responded to the scene.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and the State Police are investigating this fire.
By Kevin McManus